Governor Mark Dayton and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum have named members of a task force that will explore options for the controversial flood diversion project around Fargo-Moorhead, and the group has its first meeting Monday. There are eight members from each state, including representatives of the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority and an upstream group which is suing to stop the project. The panel’s recommendations are due by December 15th.
News release from Gov. Dayton’s office:
Governor Dayton and Governor Burgum Establish New Task Force on Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion
Fargo-Moorhead Area Flood Diversion Task Force is charged with developing solutions to achieve balanced flood risk management for the Fargo-Moorhead region, including upstream and downstream communities
New Task Force will be co-chaired by Governors, and will include eight members from each state
Task Force meetings will begin on Monday, October 23, concluding with recommendations by December 15, 2017
- PAUL, MN – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum today announced the formation of a new Task Force to develop design principles and concept-level engineering solutions to achieve balanced flood risk management for the Fargo-Moorhead region, including upstream, downstream, and metro-area communities and properties. The two Governors announced their intent to form the Task Force following a meeting in Moorhead earlier this month.
“There is broad agreement that the Fargo-Moorhead region needs a permanent solution for flood risk management. However, it is also essential that any solution meet the requirements of Minnesota Law and reflect the input of all affected Minnesotans,” said Governor Dayton. “I thank Governor Burgum for his partnership in establishing this Joint Task Force. I look forward to working with him and our Task Force to achieve those goals.”
“Working closely with our Minnesota neighbors, we’re optimistic we can achieve a timely solution that protects lives, property and the economic engine that is the Fargo-Moorhead region from catastrophic flooding while also addressing upstream and downstream concerns,” said Governor Burgum. “We’re deeply grateful to these task force members for agreeing to serve collaboratively on this issue of critical importance to both states.”
The Fargo-Moorhead Area Flood Diversion Task Force will be co-chaired by Governor Dayton and Governor Burgum, along with eight representatives appointed by the Governor of each state. Each Governor may also designate one or more surrogates to represent them in Task Force proceedings.
The first meeting of the Task Force will take place on Monday, October 23, 2017. Task Force meetings will take place either in-person or by phone and/or video conferencing, and will be open to the public. The Task Force will present its recommendations by December 15, 2017.
Governor Dayton has appointed the following Minnesota members to the Task Force:
- Moorhead Mayor Del Rae Williams
- Moorhead City Council Member Heidi Durand
- Moorhead City Council Member Joel Paulsen
- Clay County Commissioner Jenny Mongeau
- Former Wilkin County Attorney Tim Fox
- Treasurer of Buffalo-Red River Watershed District Mark Anderson
- Hendrum Mayor Curt Johannsen
- Norman County Commissioner Steve Jacobson
Governor Dayton has also designated Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr and Assistant Commissioner Barb Naramore as his potential surrogates for proceedings of the Task Force.
Governor Burgum has appointed the following North Dakota members to the Task Force:
- Cass County Engineer Jason Benson
- Fargo business leader and entrepreneur Ron Bergan
- Richland County Commissioner Nathan Berseth
- Greater North Dakota Chamber Board Chairman Bernie Dardis
- Richland County farmer Craig Hertsgaard
- Natural resources attorney Tami Norgard
- Fargo City Commissioner John Strand
- Grand Forks City Council member Ken Vein
To read the full charter establishing the Fargo-Moorhead Area Flood Diversion Task Force, click here. The charter will be presented and considered at the first Task Force meeting on Monday, October 23, 2017.