Years of sediment and debris build up are causing problems for the James River where it empties into the Missouri River near Yankton. The mouth of the river is nearly blocked, causing water to back up in the lower reaches of the river. Dave Bartel, Manager of the James River Water Development District, says he has talked to the Corps of Engineers about the problem…
Bartel says they will need some partners to help pay for any clean out effort…
Bartel says if they are going to do any work, it has to happen fairly soon…
The sediment has built up to the point that the river curves into the flow of the Missouri River, causing the backups.