Fast-track diversion project causing worry downstream on the Red

MOORHEAD - A $1.4 billion Red River diversion plan to ease flooding in Fargo-Moorhead is on a fast track, with a schedule that is one of the most aggressive ever undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

But there is growing opposition to the project, with critics lining up to submit comments to the Corps of Engineers by Monday's deadline.

"For a Corps project with a $1.4 billion pricetag, it sure seems to us like it's moving pretty quick," said Kit Fischer, an outreach coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation.

Fischer said the project should include wetland restoration and upstream water storage to reduce flows on the river.

Several national and regional environmental groups also are raising questions about the diversion project.

Henry Van Offelen, a natural resource scientist for the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, said the Red River has one of the longest stretches without barriers to migrating fish anywhere in the country. He worries the diversion and gate structures built in the river will affect the movement of species like sturgeon and catfish.

But Van Offelen said the greatest concern with the project is that it simply moves the flooding problem downstream.

A handful of counties and cities have passed resolutions to slow the project and allow more time for study. Hendrum Mayor Curt Johannsen said they want the diversion project to include the cost of mitigating increased flooding downstream.

Project Manager Craig Evans said valid concerns will be considered and included in the final project proposal.

The schedule calls for a final plan to be sent to Congress by the end of the year.