(NewsDakota.com/NorthDakotaAgConnection.com) – Senator John Hoeven Monday announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 work plan includes nearly $23 million for water resource facilities in North Dakota, including more than $17 million for operations and maintenance at Garrison Dam.

“We’ve worked at both the federal and state level to prioritize access to Lake Sakakawea and support facilities, such as the Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery, to help make this lake into a world-class fishing and outdoor recreation area. This Army Corps funding builds on our efforts to provide great opportunities for our sportsmen while supporting our state’s tourism industry,” said Hoeven.

As a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to secure improvements for recreation areas, including repairs for boat ramps to ensure lake access, around Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe. To this end, the senator included language in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 requiring the Corps to:

– Report to Congress on the investments needed to support recreational activities on Corps lands.

– Provide a plan to pay for deferred maintenance projects at Corps recreational areas.

– Outline efforts to coordinate with state and local officials to improve recreational areas and facilities.