Morton County Park Thrives 3 Years After Flooding

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — A popular recreation site in Morton County that faced closure after being heavily damaged by Missouri River flooding in 2011 is instead thriving three years later.

Floodwaters inundated Graner Park with logs and sand and destroyed 27 campsites. County officials considered closing the site permanently, but were able to reopen it late in the 2012 season thanks to federal money and volunteers who donated time and equipment for cleanup and repairs.

The Bismarck Tribune reports the county has now applied for a federal permit and state funding to install rock riprap on the east bank of the park to prevent erosion. It's also expanding campsites with electricity.

County Parks Director Tim Nilsen says Graner Park is more popular than it's ever been.