JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – It’s been a busy month for Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist.

Dealing with flooding, county roads and the latest winter weather, Bergquist has had a busy October into November. He stated that damage assessments for county and township roads along with county infrastructure was completed on November 8th. All 62 townships were welcomed to join the county’s contract with Interstate Engineering for the assessments.

Bergquist says while it’s still very early, the amount assessed throughout the county was remarkable. He stressed that none of what was assessed is guaranteed to be covered and it all depends on if a Presidential Disaster Declaration is issued.

Bergquist says not only heavy rains, but winter is creating havoc on county and township roads throughout Stutsman County.

Bergquist also discussed reservoir releases, stating that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun decreasing releases out of Pipestem and Jamestown. He says inflows into the Jamestown Reservoir are currently higher than outflows, meaning it hasn’t reached peak yet.

Flows from both Pipestem and Jamestown are expected to remain at around 800 cfs throughout the winter to prepare both reservoirs for spring melt.

Bergquist stresses that residents and visitors need to stay off the ice on the reservoirs and the rivers this winter.

If you have any questions regarding releases or winter weather safety, you can contact Jerry Bergquist and the Stutsman County Emergency Management department at 701-252-9093.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Jerry Bergquist below: