State Department of Transportation reacts to rising water - Dave Kline The North Dakota Department of Transportation is taking several actions to aid and protect motorists in the Devils Lake area during this time of high water. A radio transmitter providing travel information in the Devils Lake region has been installed and is operational. Signs informing motorists about this service will be posted along highways leading to Devils Lake. The radio signal will reach out about 25 miles from Devils Lake and can be heard on AM radio frequency 530. This will prevent erosion and break the waves that would otherwise splash across the roadway.
Agreements are in place with contractors to repair anticipate damage to highway riprap.
Counties in the effected area should begin assessing damages to their Federal Aid Road network to help determine the need for a Disaster Declaration related to Federal Aid Roads. A temporary program manager has been assigned to work with the State Disaster Emergency Services Office to begin FEMA damage assessments to Non-Federal Aid Roads. Unfortunately, it will not be easy, and it will not happen overnight. Also, the terms of the 1909 Boundary Water Treaty with Canada must be met. Below are many procedural steps the state is pursuing to gain federal approval for a Devils Lake flood control outlet.