Oklahoma’s upstream flood control dams have been working nonstop lately to protect land and infrastructure.
The Oklahoma Conservation Commission reports that during a five-day period spanning from June 25-30, flood control dams across 14 Oklahoma counties had a monetary benefit of $10.1 million in damage prevented.
Director of Conservation Programs Tammy Sawatzky says the rainfall over the past week is a reminder of the importance of the local, state and national investment in Oklahoma’s flood protection and prevention infrastructure.
Oklahoma leads the nation with more than 2,000 upstream flood control dams that were built under the USDA Small Watershed Program. The dams not only provide flood and erosion control, but they also supply sources of water for livestock and irrigation and habitats for wildlife.
It’s estimated the dams and accompanying conservation practices provide approximately $96 million in benefits each year.
