ND House passes HB1020; Approving the full funding request for the Project
The North Dakota House passed House Bill (HB) 1020 by a 78-13 margin on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The bill includes the full amount, $66.5 Million, requested from the Legislature. The money is appropriated to the State Water Commission for distribution during the biennium running from July 1, to June 30, 2019.
The Bill will now cross over to the Senate where it will go through the hearing process again. To read the bill, click here.
Leaders of the FM Area Diversion Project remain committed to the Project that protects 230,000 residents. Briefs have been filed with the U.S. District Court in the suit against the project brought by Richland-Wilkin JPA. Of the five initial counts filed, all against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were dismissed. Three counts against the Diversion Authority were also dismissed leaving two procedural claims remaining.
“We are a community seriously in need of permanent flood protection,” said Fargo Mayor and current Diversion Board of Authority Chairman Tim Mahoney. “Our citizens understand the sacrifices made to offer protection, and we simply want to work with Richland and Wilkin Counties so those impacted are treated fairly and with respect.”
FAQ: Is there a better alternative than the Project?
Dozens of flood protection alternatives were studied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local engineering experts, and the Minnesota DNR; only a Diversion Project with upstream staging was found to provide the level of protection needed to protect the metro area. More than $30 Million has been spent on studies, to date.
