NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. — When it comes to residential property, the memories of those affected by the 2024 flood in McCook Lake are impossible to ignore. These residents lost everything, and the scars of that disaster remain visible. However, this region has a long history of flooding, with past events serving as reminders of the challenges faced by the community.
Historical images from the Sioux City Museum reveal the impact of high water levels from 1952. At that time, rapid melting combined with an ice jam on the Missouri River caused severe flooding, forcing residents to wade through water. The situation was similar to what happened a year later when the Big Sioux River overflowed its banks, inundating neighborhoods around McCook Lake.
The aftermath of the 2024 flood is still evident today. While some progress has been made, many homes are still missing, and there are ongoing concerns about how to cover the millions of dollars in damages. The issue of funding remains a major challenge for the town.
Mayor Chris Bogenrief emphasized the importance of protecting the city from future flooding. He highlighted the need to replace the outdated flood plan from the 1970s that was used during the 2024 event. However, even a new city-developed plan comes with a significant cost.
“We have some designs ready, but we’re told the price tag for any alternative is around $20 million. That’s a lot of money for a town of just 3,000 people. Without additional funding sources, it will be difficult to move forward in the next five years,” said Bogenrief.
Bogenrief also mentioned that a plan developed by the county and the Army Corps would take even longer to implement and would likely be more expensive. Until these issues are resolved, the haunting images from the Sioux City Museum may continue to remind the community of past disasters.
Here are some recent updates:
- Top Story: Six Sioux City schools have been removed from the state priority list.
- Lights & Sirens: Firefighters responded to a blaze in Milford.
- Sports: Winnebago’s Raiden DeCora was named SportsZone Player of the Week.
- Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here.
For more stories about the community and local pride, visit KCAU 9’s Hometown Proud section.
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