A Letter From The Director
This summer has been a busy one for team DWR. The team continues to work with water users across the state through project development, regulatory processes, and water appropriation requests while also meeting and hearing feedback on various initiatives through sub-basin meetings held across the state in July.
To plan for the upcoming 23-25 Legislative Session, the DWR Planning team set out to partner with State Water Commission members to host eight meetings across the state to give an overview on DWR/SWC happenings and to hear from water stakeholders on their priorities, project developments and concerns. The Department and the Commission appreciate the candid and thoughtful conversations at these meetings.
One of the main topics discussed at the sub-basin meetings included the proposed cost-share policy that was released for public comment on July 1. Proposals included language related to fire flows, waste water, and cost-share percentages. Comments from stakeholders, including the North Dakota Water Users Association and North Dakota Rural Water Association, provided feedback on items they agreed with, and those they had concerns with. The Department and the Commission continue to work with stakeholders as the comment period ends August 15, and a new draft is developed based on comments and Commission objectives.
Workforce continues to be front and center this year with retirements as well as team members finding other opportunities. The team has worked hard to recruit team members with various backgrounds and expertise, and we are excited for all of you to get to meet them. Please see the write-up within this Current to learn more and don’t hesitate to reach out to these new DWR members.
Other travel and meetings this summer have included participating in the International Souris River Board meetings in Manitoba, the North Dakota Water Resource Districts Association meetings in Fargo, and the Western States Water Council meetings in Montana. Other team members and I have presented on various topics and have also learned other initiatives various states are working on related to workforce, drought, and water management.
In addition, I had the opportunity to travel to Omaha, Nebraska, to meet with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leadership to express the importance of timely permit processes related to the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS). DWR also appreciated the opportunity to meet with and discuss the importance of NAWS and the Red River Valley Supply Project with the Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Senator Hoeven on-site at the project locations in state.
These next few months will include working on an updated cost-share policy, working through the Administrative Code process that wraps up with public comment on August 22, and finalizing a budget for consideration for the 23-25 Legislative Session. Again, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of the DWR team members if you have any questions or concerns on anything the Department or the Commission is working on. We continue to strive to be responsive and a strong partner in water management.
Commissioner’s Corner
A 2016 story in Time magazine reported: “In many states, the legislature is a model of dysfunction, generating frustration, jokes and the occasional indictment. Here (North Dakota) it’s a source of quiet pride.” The story went on to point out “a really good score for (state government approval) is 25% or 30%.” North Dakota’s rating is 69%.
This rating could well be higher for water within North Dakota, especially considering the State Water Commission (SWC) vision and its shared purpose: “Empower People, Improve Lives, and Inspire Success.”
As a representative on the SWC for the Little Missouri, Upper Cannonball, and Upper Heart river basins, I know water has a whole different meaning because this is a semi-arid geographical region with average annual precipitation of around 15-17 inches. Water is like gold in this area where agricultural enterprises engage in water management practices which utilize every precious drop.
Within the basin I represent is perhaps one of the most visionary, multi-generational public works projects in the state’s history: the Southwest Pipeline Project (SWPP). The SWPP is the result of cooperation from North Dakota’s legislative and executive branches of state government, forming a template for water development teamwork that has stood the test of time for over 30 years.
The prototype, which began formulation decades ago, involved volunteers discussing metrics and methods to bring Missouri River water to the sprawling southwest corner of the state. The lessons learned are a testament to the courage and prophetic view of the water pioneers, forging ahead with a positive spirit and ignoring the cynics. These same attitudes exist today, and it is an honor to be part of this community of achievers.
The Northwest Area Water Supply and the Western Area Water Supply are also a tribute to practical knowledge. Rural water systems across North Dakota number close to 30, affirming positive outcomes.
The five major drainage basins in North Dakota have unique issues. Yet, their stakeholders are all part of the same family. They are all managing water in ways that work towards meeting the needs of everyone - within and across basins. The Red River Valley Water Supply Project is a recent example of how we can, and are, working to provide rural and municipal residents a reliable, clean water supply. As North Dakotans, we truly are blessed by the “Mighty” Missouri River.
Statewide, stakeholders in the water industry remain dedicated to making sure quality water in quantity is available - at an affordable price. The loyalty of the many layers of committed water professionals is evidenced daily. This devotion to North Dakota’s citizenry is a true manifestation that transcends political philosophies and puts people first.
The proficiency, however, does not end there. The new Department of Water Resources is an extension of the state’s professional aptitude and commitment. Staff competence is deserving of praise for its attention to detail through applications, policy advisement, and funding disbursement to assist with the buildout of water infrastructure.
It remains the SWC’s charge to appropriate funds to the various projects out of authorization amounts from the North Dakota Legislature. Yes, there is not unanimity on all requests, but in the short time I have served on the SWC, concepts are thoroughly vetted in a most fair and equitable method. People are the priority.
With the gift of this great natural resource in North Dakota, however, comes great responsibility. The greatest obligations are to use the water wisely, share the water prudently, and protect the water.
North Dakota is blessed with the Missouri River, a water source for all. Residents have long understood, and underscored the importance of making sure this river of life is secured to create a great quality of place. Perhaps, what really sets us apart is having a government that actually works – especially when it comes to water.
New Hires
Abby Ebach
Abby recently joined the agency as the Director of Public Policy in the Administration Division. It’s a new position in the department to track federal and state policy decisions and how they impact DWR’s various activities. She will also work on in-house policy development and implementation.
Abby was born and raised in Bismarck, graduating from Century High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in business from Kansas State Missouri and a master’s degree in library and information science from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Before DWR, Abby worked at the North Dakota State Library as the Public Library Specialist. She worked with the 83 public libraries in the state and assisted with their policy development, future planning documents, and library board training.
She and her husband Seth have two kids: Adam (3) and Maretta (1). She enjoys puzzles, roller blading, reading, and chasing their toddlers.
Angela Gregory
Angela recently joined the agency as a Natural Resources Specialist in the Data and Technology Services Division. Her focus will be to maintain, develop, and build applications. Angela is excited to help others do their jobs more efficiently with the tools she creates.
She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she also went to high school and college. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree, both in civil engineering from the University of New Mexico.
Before DWR, Angela was a Hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey and worked on statistical and physically based models for surface water processes in the Souris and Red River basins.
She and her husband Edwin have two kids: Ben (11) and Maddy (9). She enjoys hanging out with family, hiking, and CrossFit.
Cory Drevecky
Cory recently joined the agency as a Planner in the Planning and Education Division. He will be managing development of the state’s Water Development Plan, including working with project sponsors on the water project inventory. Cory is also involved in various public information and outreach efforts and wrote some of the articles in this issue of The Current!
Cory grew up in Adams, North Dakota. He got his bachelor’s degree in forensic science from the University of North Dakota and his master’s degree in biology from DePaul University.
Before DWR, Cory worked for Custer Health in Mandan, ND serving the counties of Morton, Grant, Mercer, Oliver and Sioux in an environmental health and emergency management role.
He and his wife Lindsey have four kids: Madelyn (11), Hadley (9), and twin boys Ryker and Becket (6). Cory enjoys taking care of his lawn, cooking, and brewing beer.
Garrett Larson
Garrett recently joined the agency as a Water Resource Engineer in the Regulatory Division. He will work on drainage, diking, and landowner to landowner issues. Garrett is looking forward to growing his skills in professional writing and communications along with continuing to learn about the management of water resources.
He grew up in Minot and graduated from Minot High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of North Dakota.
Before DWR, Garrett worked as a project civil engineer for the City of Minot’s engineering department. He designed and managed the 2022 Street Seal Project for the City of Minot.
He enjoys hunting, and fishing.
Kathryn Goos
Kathryn recently joined the agency as a Water Resource Engineer in the Water Development Division. She will primarily work on conducting investigation reports, and will provide technical assistance to communities along with other sections and divisions. Kathryn will also review, perform, and interpret hydraulic or hydrologic analyses.
She grew up in Washburn, North Dakota and graduated from Washburn High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of North Dakota.
Before DWR, Kathryn worked for the City of Minot. She conducted stormwater inspections and completed community rating system and municipal separate storm sewer system reports. She also assisted the public with interpretation of floodplain maps, conducted outfall and erosion inspections, worked with elevation certificates and floodplain development permits, and handled stormwater outreach for the community.
Kathryn enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping.
Lee Greuel
Lee recently joined the agency as a Public Information Officer in the Planning and Education Division. He is responsible for communicating the news and objectives of the department through news releases, social media, and other public media. He writes articles for The Current, including these words.
He grew up in Minot, North Dakota and graduated from Minot High School. He got his bachelor’s degree in mass communications and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Mary.
Before DWR, Lee worked for the Bismarck Larks as their Media Manager. He was responsible for all fan communication, including social media, advertising, and video production. He also managed their live broadcast.
Lee and his wife Jennifer have two kids: Elsie (5) and Atlas (6 months). He enjoys playing disc golf, racquetball, and softball. He also plays several musical instruments.
Lora Johnson
Lora recently joined the agency as an Administrative Assistant in the Water Appropriation Division. Lora assists the agency with temporary water permits, statements of intent, beneficial use forms and extension of times, customer service, and other administrative duties.
Lora grew up in Williston, North Dakota. Before working at DWR, she handled the insurance authorizations for the specialty clinics at CHI St. Alexius.
Lora has a boyfriend, Corbin, and three boys: Jace (16), Jayden (13) and Dash (5).
She enjoys camping, fishing, driving their side-by-side, snowmobiling, and attending her kids’ basketball and football games. She has played guitar since she was 12 years old and enjoys singing.
Nicholas Bendrickson
Nicholas recently joined the agency as a Dam Safety Engineer in the Regulatory Division. He is looking forward to learning from his colleagues and is happy to be a member of Team DWR.
Nicholas grew up in Garrison, North Dakota and graduated from Garrison High School. He got his bachelor’s degree in agricultural and biosystems engineering from North Dakota State University.
Before DWR, Nicholas was the part owner and operator of a large farm with other family members. They planted hard red spring wheat, canola, and soybeans. Nicholas was responsible for a lot of the mechanical work and GPS software setup.
He and his wife Mallory have two kids: Baylor (3) and Maeve (1). Nicholas enjoys building custom steel and wood furniture. He has a private pilot license with a taildragger endorsement and used to own a small Cessna 140. He has also rebuilt several salvaged vehicles for himself.
Nicole Evans
Nicole recently joined the agency as a Natural Resource Services IV in the Data and Technology Services Division. She works with DWR’s various technology and is currently focused on 4D database services. She is looking forward to learning more about 4D and being part of creating useful tools for both the agency and the public to better utilize DWR’s systems and data.
Nicole was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, but spent most of her childhood in Bismarck, including graduating from Bismarck High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Dakota.
Before DWR, Nicole worked for Bismarck Public Schools as a special education instructional aide for three years. Before that she worked in various human services fields.
Nicole enjoys spending time with her girlfriend Michelle and Michelle’s two kids: Tyler (5) and Lexi (1). Nicole does all sorts of art, plays the ukulele, and has a dog and cat.
DWR Defines Priorities in New Five-Year Strategic Plan
The North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) developed a five-year strategic plan to guide the deployment of resources toward key objectives, goals and tactics that will remain a focus from July 2022 through June 2027. This plan is also intended to help create awareness among the public and stakeholders about DWR priorities.
As part of the strategic planning process, DWR developed new mission, vision and values statements. DWR’s new mission statement is to responsibly manage North Dakota’s water needs and risks for the people’s benefit. The new vision statement is to sustainably manage and develop North Dakota’s water resources for the health, safety and prosperity of its people, businesses, agriculture, energy, industry, recreation and natural resources.
As identified in the new plan, DWR will work toward five new objectives that focus on effective communication, resilient water development and management practices, strategic use of Missouri River system water, implementation of innovative ideas, and promoting a positive culture within the agency. To accomplish each of the objectives, multiple goals and tactics are also outlined in the plan.
“When the 67th legislative assembly created the new Department of Water Resources in 2021 from what was formerly the Water Commission and Office of the State Engineer, it provided our team with an opportunity to take a new look at the agency’s priorities,” said Andrea Travnicek, DWR Director. “The strategic planning process included a citizen focus as the foundation for the development of the plan to make sure we’re continuing to provide high quality services to the people of North Dakota.”
In developing the plan, DWR commissioned a third-party vendor, Odney Inc., to engage DWR team members and stakeholders to gather input for the development of objectives, goals, tactics and metrics. Stakeholders included staff, Water Commissioners, legislators and other public officials, Tribes, local water managers, private entities and others. There were 116 online surveys completed, 77 personal interviews and two focus groups that were an integral part of the input gathering effort.
DWR’s new Five-Year Strategic Plan will be available to the public by mid-August.
2022 Water Commissioner-Hosted Basin Meetings
Each biennium, Water Commission members host public meetings within their representative basins per NDCC 61-02-01.3. Commissioner hosted basin meetings occurred during the month of July. In all, eight public meetings were conducted in Minot, Bismarck, Fargo, Jamestown, Watford City, Dickinson, Grand Forks and Devils Lake. Each meeting followed a similar agenda, consisting of a statement from the Commissioner, Department of Water Resource and State Water Commission updates, project summaries from sponsors and public comments.
Several stakeholders expressed gratitude to the State Water Commission (SWC) and DWR for past and current support. Many attendees presented project updates, and input was provided regarding the Commission’s modifications to Cost-Share Program policy, specifically the proposed changes to percentages.
On behalf of the Water Commission members and DWR staff, we would like to extend a thank you to everyone who attended and participated!
The following includes a summary of the eight basin meetings.
Mouse River
- Commissioner Jason Zimmerman
- July 6, 3:00 PM
- Minot – City Hall Council Chambers
- Approximately 20 Attendees
Lower Missouri River
- Commissioner Jay Volk
- July 7, 10:00 AM
- Bismarck – State Capitol, Pioneer Room
- Approximately 49 Attendees
Upper Red River
- Commissioner April Walker
- July 11, 3:00 PM
- Fargo – Holiday Inn
- Approximately 34 Attendees
James River
- Commissioner Connie Ova
- July 15, 10:00 AM
- Jamestown – City Hall, Lower-Level Conference Room
- Approximately 12 Attendees
Upper Missouri River
- Commissioner Gene Veeder
- July 20, 10:00 AM
- Watford City – The Watford Hotel
- Approximately 13 Attendees
Little Missouri, Upper Heart & Upper Cannonball Rivers
- Commissioner James Odermann
- July 20, 3:00 PM
- Dickinson – Stark-Billings NDSU Extension Office
- Approximately 14 Attendees
Lower Red River
- Commissioner Michael Anderson
- July 27, 9:00 AM
- Grand Forks – City Hall Council Chambers
- Approximately 31 Attendees
Devils Lake Basin
- Commissioner Richard Johnson
- July 27, 3:00 PM
- Devils Lake – Lake Region State College, Chautauqua Gallery
- Approximately 16 Attendees
DWR Seeking Public Input on Cost-Share Program Policy Updates
The North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) and State Water Commission (SWC) are seeking feedback on proposed Cost-Share Program policy changes. The changes update the current SWC Project Funding Policy, Procedure and General Requirements as well as the SWC’s Project Prioritization Guidance document.
DWR’s Cost-Share Program provides financial support to local sponsors in development of sustainable water-related projects in North Dakota. The last time the SWC completed a larger-scale modification of cost-share policies was 2014.
The process of updating both documents began in December 2021 with multiple public SWC discussions. The updates propose new and clarified definitions, changes to cost-share percentages for water projects, capital improvement planning, eligibility criteria for fire protection, incentives for more efficient water supply in-filling and regionalization projects, and more.
“The State Water Commission and the Department of Water Resources strive to insure cost-share policies are periodically reviewed to address changing conditions, clarifications, and provide a sustainable program for water project planning and development,” said Andrea Travnicek, DWR Director. “We encourage everyone to review the proposed modifications and provide comments for consideration.”
DWR is also releasing a draft inventory of water projects for public review that have been submitted to the agency for planning and budgeting purposes. The draft inventory includes water projects that could potentially approach the SWC for cost-share assistance totaling $1 billion during the 2023-2025 biennium. A final inventory of projects will be published by year end in a 2023 Water Development Plan.
On July 1, 2022, the draft cost-share policy, prioritization guidance, and project inventory were made available for a 45-day public comment period that ends August 15, 2022.
The draft documents are available at www.dwr.nd.gov. Comments can be submitted by mail to DWR at 900 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505 or via email to dwrcostshare@nd.gov.
DWR Seeking Public Input on Administrative Code Updates
The North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) is seeking public input on proposed changes to N.D. Administrative Code (N.D.A.C.) Title 89.
The changes are being made, in part, due to the passage of House Bill (HB) 1353 during the 2021 legislative session. HB 1353 created the DWR from what were formerly the State Water Commission and Office of the State Engineer. HB 1353 also changed agency leadership from the State Engineer to a Director of the DWR, who is appointed by the Governor. As a result, the DWR name change needs to be addressed in Administrative Code.
Additionally, DWR is currently updating N.D. dam safety policies, which are being reflected in the proposed N.D.A.C. changes. Since 1998, federal guidelines for hazard classification of dams, articulated by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publication, has identified any loss of life in the event of dam failure as a high hazard dam. The new policies and proposed N.D.A.C. updates enable North Dakota to join the majority of U.S. states in using the FEMA guidance for hazard classification.
North Dakota’s current definition of a “high hazard dam” requires the potential loss of more than “a few” lives in the event of dam failure. The proposed definition of a high hazard dam is a dam “with high hazard potential where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.” A “medium hazard dam” would be redefined where “failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, disruption of lifeline facilities, or can impact other concerns.”
A copy of the proposed rules can be obtained by calling 701-328-4940, online at www.dwr.nd.gov or writing to DWR at 900 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck ND 58505.
DWR will hold a public hearing to receive public comments at 9:30 a.m. on August 11, 2022, at 900 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck ND 58505. Written or oral comments on the proposed rules sent to the above address or via email to cevoniuk@nd.gov with the subject “Administrative Code Comments,” received by 5 p.m. August 22, 2022, will be fully considered.
DWR also plans to host a series of public meetings in 2023 to engage the public regarding revised dam safety policies and guidelines.
For more information, visit the DWR’s website at www.dwr.nd.gov.
The Importance of Emergency Action Plans
In early May 2022, Bourbanis Dam in east Cavalier County, ND experienced a flooding event that caused it to be deemed an imminent threat to rupture. At the request of the Pembina County Emergency Manager, Governor Doug Burgum dispatched the National Guard to help with the emergency. One-ton sandbags were airlifted into place as part of the effort to combat the threat. In the end, a major catastrophe was avoided thanks, in part, to the activation of Pembina County Water Resource District’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
An EAP is a detailed guide on how to respond in the event of an emergency. The successful implementation of the Bourbanis Dam EAP is a reminder of the importance of a robust up-to-date plan. The DWR recognizes the best time to plan for emergencies is prior to the emergency occurring. Therefore, the department is promoting the implementation, review and modernization of EAPs for dams across the state. To support these efforts, financial assistance is available through the DWR and the Water Commission’s Cost Share Program Policy.
For additional information related to Dam Safety and Emergency Action Plans: http://www.dwr.nd.gov/reg_approp/dam_safety/