Red River flood plans considered

Last update: October 19, 2009 - 9:38 PM

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The Army Corps of Engineers said Monday that a diversion channel through Minnesota, a similar channel through North Dakota, or levees along the bank of the Red River are among the best flood control options for residents in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

Corps officials said local leaders should choose a plan by Dec. 1 so that a proposal can be submitted to Congress by the end of the year. Six Minnesota diversion plans and three North Dakota alternatives that proposed channels or levees were studied. Cost estimates ranged from about $900 million to more than $1.3 billion.

"The next 90 days, I think, is going to be a critical period," said Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., who chaired a committee meeting Monday with the corps.

The Red River stayed above flood stage in the Fargo, N.D., area for a record 61 days this spring, causing damage expected to total in the millions. Fargo residents fought off two crests, the first at a record 40.82 feet and the second at 34 feet.

Fargo City Commissioner Tim Mahoney, co-chairman of a group evaluating the Corps' plans, said his group will meet as often as needed to come up with a recommendation.

Five of Minnesota's six diversion plans met the federal cost-benefit threshold, while North Dakota diversion plans came close, Corps officials said.

"The North Dakota diversion has a lot more uncertainty, because we end up crossing all the tributaries," Corps project manager Aaron Snyder said.

Public information meetings are scheduled in the area today and Wednesday to discuss the options.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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