A special task force on the controversial Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project has issued its report, which now goes back to the Diversion Authority which will decide whether to propose a revised plan. Those downstream and upstream from Fargo-Moorhead on the Red River are concerned about the impact and Minnesota D-N-R Assistant Commissioner Barb Naramore says, “There was a sense that upstream and downstream interests hadn’t been as engaged and involved in the development of that original project proposal as would have been desired and wise.” Naramore adds, “Our hope and expectation going forward is that the Diversion Authority will fully consider those up- and downstream perspectives and take those into full account.”
The projects needs a Minnesota permit to move forward. Governor Mark Dayton says the state “is committed to helping identify a solution, but major changes must be made to the proposed project.” North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum says “it remains clear that a diversion channel with control structures is the only economically viable solution that will provide… protection for citizens.”
More in this interview with Assistant Commissioner Naramore: