EVENT DETAIL

In the summer of 1967, one of the worst disasters in the history of Alaska struck the Fairbanks area. Unusually heavy rains swelled the Chena and Little Chena rivers six feet above their flood stage. Water poured into downtown Fairbanks and the outlying regions, driving residents to their rooftops and eventually displacing nearly 7,000 people from their homes. Roads, bridges, and railroads washed away, isolating Fairbanks and hindering rescue efforts. Damage estimates totaled more than $80 million. The extensive destruction helped inspire Congress to pass a national flood insurance program. To prevent a disaster of this magnitude from occurring again, the Alaska District proposed the "Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project." Its primary purpose was to protect Fairbanks and Fort Wainwright from high waters.

The Flood Control Act of 1958 provided authority for this project. When the flood of 1967 sparked a new sense of urgency, Congress reauthorized it by passing the Flood Control Act of 1968, in accordance with recommendations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general. Major components of the project included the Moose Creek Dam and Floodway, the Tanana River Levee, and drainage channels within the protected area. Together, they comprised the largest federal civil works program in the state. The Alaska District joined the Fairbanks North Star Borough in developing the project. While the Corps acquired the lands needed for the dam and floodway, the borough obtained the lands for the levee and drainage channels.

Construction began in 1973, and the Corps completed the $256 million Chena Project in 1979. A key component of the dam and levee system, located about 20 miles east of Fairbanks, was the massive concrete outlet works and flood gates. During normal fluctuations of the Chena River, the outlet works remained open, allowing the natural flow of water. Fish, as well as boats, continued to travel through the open gates. At periods of high water, however, the Corps lowered the flood gates, directing excess water to the Tanana River. In 1987, the Fairbanks North Star Borough assumed responsibility for operation and maintenance of the levee and drainage channels.

The 20,000-acre project consists of a 7.5-mile-long embankment dam (named Moose Creek Dam) with concrete control works on the Chena River.  The project provides flood protection to the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole, and the cantonment area of Fort Wainwright.  The project is a popular recreational area with over 165,000 visitors annually.  A Corps designed recreation area, including two parks and a small recreational lake is out granted to a local cost sharing partner, the Fairbanks North Star Borough. The Corps actively manages approximately 16,000 acres of public land for dispersed low impact recreational activities and a variety of indigenous wildlife, migratory birds, and waterfowl. The Project actively promotes water safety, watchable wildlife and public safety programs. Approximately 25 special use/event permits are issued annually for activities including retriever dog trials, civil war reenactments, triathlons, cross country meets, trail riding, scouting events and youth conservation camps. The Chena Project partners with the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Bureau of Land Management/Alaska Fire Service and the U.S Fish and Wildlife on a number of ongoing cooperative projects.