Bill Would Require Further Study Of Red River Diversion Plan
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A southeastern North Dakota lawmaker opposed to a Red River diversion project that would flood land in his district says impacts of the channel have not been addressed and more study is needed.
Republican Sen. Larry Luick, of Fairmount, has introduced a bill requiring the state Water Commission to study the project. Luick says there are negative consequences beyond those outlined by the Army Corps of Engineers and the commission should review water retention as an alternative to the diversion.
The nearly $2 billion project would protect about 200,000 people.
Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney says $22 million is already being spent by the corps and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to look into many of the issues in Luick's bill.
A hearing on the bill is scheduled Friday in Bismarck.
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