New book details Fort Pierre construction company's role in leading 2011 flood response

'The Man Who Saved Pierre and Fort Pierre' centers around life, leadership of Milt Morris

(Austin Goss/The Dakota Scout)

FORT PIERRE - The 2011 Missouri River flood that shocked the Pierre area remains fresh in the minds of local residents like Milt Morris, founder of Morris Inc., who spearheaded the effort to protect Pierre and Fort Pierre from fast rising waters.

Morris, who started his company in 1970, was the driving force behind the construction of about four and a half miles of levees on both sides of the river. His leadership is credited with minimizing the damage to both cities despite record flows from the Oahe Dam.

A new book by Fort Pierre resident John Nagel, "The Man Who Saved Pierre and Fort Pierre," recounts Morris’ life as it leads up and prepared him for his pivotal role in the flood response. Nagel, whose Marion Gardens neighborhood was saved by a last-minute effort to plug a nearby canal, highlights Morris’ determination and work ethic.

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