Crews continue to work on roads and infrastructure around McCook Lake, relief center opens

NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (KTIV) – Officials for North Sioux City released an update on Wednesday, July 3 about the ongoing flood recovery efforts in North Sioux City, especially in the McCook Lake area.

According to a press release, the company Blue Cell LLC was brought in to help North Sioux City run the flood recovery efforts. Blue Cell was brought in on Saturday, June 29, and have set the following goals with the recovery:

• Provide for the safety of personnel and public.
• Continue infrastructure restoration.
• Continue law enforcement control patrolling and create a relief plan.
• Assess donation and volunteer management.
• Begin planning for debris management.
• Provide timely and accurate information to the public/new media and other agencies providing help.
• Provide controlled access to Northshore Dr. and Penrose Dr.
• Allow and monitor for safety residential shoring operations.
• Plan for additional resources (recovery).

McCook Lake Relief Center

A relief center has been opened to help McCook Lake residents affected by the flooding. The center is located on Suncoast Drive and those looking to get to it should follow these instructions:

1. From Sioux City, take I-29 North to Exit 4.
2. Turn right at the exit ramp, and left on HWY 105, then take first left onto County Road
3. Drive West about two miles to Northshore.
4. At the stop sign, go straight onto Westshore.
5. Finally, turn left at the Izaak Walton League sign.

Access Points

A restricted access order remains in effect for the areas around McCook Lake hit hardest by the flooding. Limited access has been given to certain streets for some residents, first responders and contractors on a case-by-case basis.

Roadways

A temporary roadway along Northshore Drive has now been constructed. Officials say this temporary road will be used only by contractors working to construct critical infrastructure in the area.

Construction on a temporary road to the north side of Penrose Drive has also begun. Officials expect this road to be completed by the end of the day on Thursday, July 4.

Controlled access for some residents on Penrose Drive and Northshore Drive is now allowed. This comes as Highway 105 is now open as well.

Electricity Update

Officials say electricity in the following areas has been restored:

• West area of McCook Lake in the Suncoast Drive area
• Local school buildings
• Homes that can take power on Penrose Drive.
• Homes that can take power on Westshore Drive.
• Lights installed on NorthshoreDrive.

Officials want to remind residents that homes that have been red-tagged do not have service at this time.

Gas Services

Temporary gas (bottle services) to serve the west area of McCook Lake (Suncoast Drive) area was completed on June 30, according to officials.

Gas infrastructure construction is expected to follow the force main construction project on Northshore Drive

Water and Sewer

On Penrose Drive, officials say water and sewer have been restored to several homes. But keep in mind, a boil advisory remains in effect for this area through 5 p.m. on Monday, July 8.

Water has also been restored to the West McCook Lake area and residents do not have to boil water as of Monday, July 1.

On Northshore Drive, a force main is being laid now and is expected to be operational by Sunday, July 7. Officials say this has been delayed slightly due to soil challenges in the area.

Police

Police say they are having an issue with residents not following the check-in and check-out process. They say this is putting residents, first responders, and contractors at risk and because of this, additional personnel have been added to secure Northshore Drive and Penrose Drive .

Fireworks

Officials say fireworks west of Exit 4 in city limits will be prohibited.

Other Updates

• Game, Fish, and Parks worked with North Sioux City Police to provide boat retrievals on McCook Lake.
• The Dakota Valley debris site has been cleaned up. The Penrose Dr. site is piling up and will need to be cleaned once the temporary road has been constructed.
• Planning is taking place for a FEMA disaster recovery center location.
• Two daily coordination calls are being held between the City, County, and State to keep communication lines open and work together to solve problems for the community.

The North Sioux City City Council is holding a special council meeting on Tuesday, July 3. This is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at city hall.

Volunteer Help

Many residents on Penrose Drive and other impacted homes are looking for volunteers to help them take flood-damaged items out, including dry-wall, carpet, furniture and more.

You can learn how to help here.

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