The Valley City Little Dam project was a vital civil construction initiative completed in 2024, representing a joint venture between the City of Valley City and the Barnes County Water Resource District. With Houston Engineering serving as the project engineer and Comstock Construction’s civil division as the general contractor, this collaborative effort aimed to address longstanding safety concerns and enhance recreational opportunities along the Sheyenne River.
Scope of Work
- Removal of the existing dam wing walls to eliminate the dangerous undertow previously associated with the dam.
- Installation of rock weirs (rocks provided by Lesmeister Gravel) to improve safety and facilitate controlled water flow.
- Placement of riprap to prevent erosion and enhance structural stability.
- Installation of portage stairs by Pro Landscapers to allow kayakers to safely bypass the dam via land.
Importance of the Project
The Valley City Little Dam project was crucial for several reasons:
- The existing dam’s undertow posed significant risks to fishermen, kayakers, and other recreational users of the Sheyenne River. By removing the wing walls and replacing them with rock weirs, the project significantly reduced hazards, creating a safer environment for the community.
- The addition of portage stairs provided kayakers with a convenient and safe way to bypass the rock weirs, promoting safe river use.
- Removing the existing dam and integrating natural features like rock weirs and rip rap protected the riverbank from erosion, and also boosted the local ecosystem.
Power of Collaboration
The Valley City Little Dam project exemplifies the power of collaboration between local government, expert engineers, and earthwork contractors to address community needs. By transforming a hazardous structure into a safe and welcoming recreational space, this initiative has delivered long-term benefits for the residents of Valley City, visitors to the Sheyenne River, and the local ecosystem.