Lakota - Senator Kent Conrad today convened an official field hearing of the Senate Budget Committee to hear directly from area leaders on how they think federal, state and local government agencies should best combat the challenges posed by a possible overflow of Devils Lake to the surrounding communities.

"The people here in Nelson County are on the front line in the battle against Devils Lake flooding," Senator Conrad said. "We need to work cooperatively to find a common solution that works for Devils Lake, the Lake Region and those downstream."

Senator Conrad convened the Senate Budget Committee field hearing to explore the concerns of those in Nelson County over an uncontrolled overflow of Devils Lake — a tributary to Stump Lake— and the impact on property and roads in the region.

Among those testifying before Senator Conrad today were: Todd Sando, State Engineer for the State Water Commission; Odell Flaagan, Chairman of the Nelson County Board of Commissioners; Ben Varnson, Chairman and Manager of the Upper Sheyenne River Joint Water Resource Board; and Sharon Young, Emergency Manager for Nelson County.

Nelson County leaders stressed that an uncontrolled overflow would destroy three major county roads, further isolating residents from jobs, schools and emergency services. The county is advocating for the construction of a control structure at the Tolna Coulee along County Road 4 in order to stabilize lake levels.

Last month -- at the urging of Senator Conrad, Senator Byron Dorgan and Congressman Pomeroy -- the White House formed an interagency working group to take immediate steps to tackle the threat of the rising lake.

Senator Conrad said today's testimony will be shared with the White House's working group and they would be made aware of the County's preference of an outlet at the Tolna Coulee to release water.

Since 1996, Stump Lake has risen more than 50 feet. In 1999, Devils Lake began to flow into Stump Lake and in 2007 the lakes equalized. Since then, the combined lakes have continued to rise, reaching a record elevation this year. The lake is now within 6 feet of the natural overflow.

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