News Releases for April 2009
April 3, 2009
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Governor Hoeven & Governor Pawlenty Press for Permanent Flood Protection in the Fargo-Moorhead Area
Governors seek a comprehensive plan to protect citizens in both states from future flood events
FARGO, ND - In light of record crest levels recently on the Red River and its tributaries, North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty today announced they will undertake efforts along with city, county and congressional officials to accelerate work on a permanent flood protection projects in the Red River basin.
The Governors were joined by Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker; Moorhead Mayor Mark Voxland; Cass County Commission Chair Robyn Sorum; Clay County Board Chair Jerry Waller and U.S. Congressman Collin Peterson.
Pawlenty and Hoeven said they are organizing a mission to Washington, D.C. of local, state and congressional leaders to press the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advance the timetable for a study now underway to address broad-based flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead are of the Red River Valley. Officials said the study, which isn't scheduled for completion until December 2010, is moving too slowly to address the needs of the region.
"We need the Corps to do more than just study it - we need a plan and a commitment from the Corps for federal funding and project approval so that we can move forward with construction," said Governor Hoeven. "Our budget committed $75 million in state funding for Fargo's Southside Flood Project, which should be incorporated into the plan, and we are willing to commit more if necessary."
"Flooding has affected Minnesotans and North Dakotans along the Red River Valley from the river's headwaters to the Canadian border," Governor Pawlenty said. "A comprehensive and equitable plan is needed to protect citizens in both states from future flood events. The good work already completed in East Grand Forks and Grand Forks is proof that mitigation is not only possible, but that it works."
Hoeven said he believes the Corps has money in its budget. "There will be no better time than the present to make a solid commitment to the people of Minnesota and North Dakota to get this job done."
Typically, the Corps funds 65 percent of projects, leaving 35 percent for the state and local government to cover. According to Hoeven and Pawlenty, the Corps' plan will include a range of features, such as levees, non-structural flood proofing, diversion channels, floodwall systems and storage and other engineering techniques to stave off flooding.
The Governors and the group also said it was important to move quickly because large scale projects of the kind needed in Fargo-Moorhead require sign off by the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal entities before work can commence.
"We will need to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal mandates," Governor Hoeven said. "We need the Administration's help to get that process moving quickly and efficiently. Our respective cities and states have done an amazing job in the flood fight, but we need a permanent solution to the flooding in the Red River Valley."
"We've put everything we've got into fighting this flood," Governor Pawlenty said. "Now we need support to prevent the loss of life and property in the future. At some point soon, we hope mitigation projects can help secure and stabilize the lives of those who live along the Red River."
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