SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (KTIV) -
The warm weather makes this the perfect time to get out on Missouri River, especially after being beached by last year's flood.
For some in the tri-state area, that's become a bit more difficult.
South Sioux City used to have four boat ramps set up near the river. It was an easy transition for campers spending time at Scenic Park to make it to the waters.
But they're still waiting for those ramps to get fixed.
Jim Larson makes the 160 mile trip from Shenandoah, Iowa, to South Sioux City, Nebraska, to camp with his family a few times every year. But for the second straight summer, there's a problem.
"You know, it'd be nice if the ramp was working here right beside the campground and being able to use it would be a little bit handier," said Larson.
For now, Larson and his family have to hit the road, before they can go in the water, driving to Sioux City to use their ramp, which is a tedious task these days.
"It takes a little extra time and with some road construction and stuff on other side, on the Iowa side," said Larson.
South Sioux's City leaders say they're wading through red tape.
"We set it up to have this ramp ready this spring, we've ordered a contract to have that done and we cannot get FEMA approval," said Lance Hedquist, South Sioux City's city administrator.
Hedquist says the city has tested the sand and gotten approval for the project from the Army Corps of Engineers and other offices, but it can't start working until FEMA gives it the okay.
The city can't just start working either. If the project isn't approved, the $300,000 tab would come out of city property taxes. So, they're at a standstill.
"Not knowing what the problem is something that we can't cure," said Hedquist
The waiting has been the hardest part.
"It's sad to see a good summer, losing that boating season and having the boaters have to seek other locations," said Hedquist.
But there is good news from FEMA. A representative told KTIV the project has been approved and funding will go through to the state the middle of next week.
At that point, it will be up to the state of Nebraska to decide when South Sioux will receive the money. Once approved, officials say rebuilding the ramps should take about three weeks.
They're hoping they can salvage the remainder of the summer with some boating.
