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N.D., Minnesota Discuss Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project
Minnesota Ag Connection - 09/20/2017

Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement after a phone call this afternoon with Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton about the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project.

"It was encouraging that Gov. Dayton and I agreed on the need to work together and try to find a path forward for this project, and that going back to square one would not be productive," Burgum said. "As neighbors, we have a common interest in protecting lives and property from catastrophic flooding along our shared border, and long delays will only continue to put the public at risk."

Burgum emphasized the need for comprehensive flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead area, noting the metro came within inches of flooding in 1997 and 2009. The governors agreed to set up a call between their offices and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to discuss possible technical changes to the project that would address the DNR's concerns enough to grant a permit.

The 30-mile channel has been approved by Congress and work had begun on an inlet structure southwest of the Fargo area. But a federal judge from Minnesota halted all construction because the project does not have the necessary permits from Minnesota.

Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources has raised concerns including about upstream impacts of the project.

Dayton's office released this statement early Tuesday evening:

"Governor Burgum and Governor Dayton had a very cordial and constructive call this afternoon to discuss the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management Project. They both expressed their shared desire for a collaborative process that will prioritize the safety and security of all the people living in the Fargo-Moorhead region.

"The two governors agreed to set up a conference call as soon as possible among Minnesota DNR officials, North Dakota officials, and themselves, to discuss in more detail the Minnesota DNR's objections to the present project proposal.

"However, Governor Dayton made it clear that he would not negotiate any changes until after he has met again with Moorhead City Officials, area Legislators, and landowners both north and south of the city. Those meetings are in the process of being scheduled.

Burgum's office reported that the call concluded with him saying that flooding is "a real threat and needs serious attention on creating a permanent solution," and Dayton saying they should work together to achieve that.


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