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ABSARAKA, N.D. (AP) A dam on a tributary of Swan Creek just north of Absaraka in western Cass County took a pounding from the recent record flooding in the area.

Erosion on the earthen spillway cut a hole 10 feet deep. It prompted 24-hour monitoring by the National Guard, and required emergency repairs.

Chad Engels, an engineer for the Maple River Water Resource District, says repairs and possibly an upgrade of the dam itself may be in the works. He says repairs to the spillway could cost around $100,000 and upgrades to the dam would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The water resource district is working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service on funding. Such projects normally have a 75-percent federal, 25-percent local cost share.

Officials expect to know more in about a week.

Information from: KFGO-AM, http://kfgo.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-13-09 0745CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list