YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The Corps of Engineers is starting the environmental assessment phase of a project to repair the drainage system under Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River near Yankton.

Gavins Point Project Manager Tom Curran says every dam has a system to control water seeping under it.

Curran says the plan is to repair and extend some of the drainage channels.

Curran says they would like to see the project start by late this year.

The flooding in March of last year, which pushed Lewis & Clark Lake to a record level, put extra pressure on the drainage system.