Dalrymple Encouraged by "New Start" Designation for Minot Flood Protection; Continued Support for Red River Valley Flood Protection

Press Release

Gov. Jack Dalrymple today said he is pleased that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving forward on permanent flood protection in Minot and the Souris River Basin, as well as the Red River Valley. The Corps announced today its work plan for the current fiscal year, which includes federal funding to advance the flood control projects and secure comprehensive flood protection for the Minot and Fargo regions.

"We continue to stress just how critical flood protection is to the long-term growth and prosperity of the Souris River Basin and the Red River Valley," said Dalrymple. "Today's announcement by the Corps that Minot will receive a "new start" designation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a crucial first step in achieving comprehensive flood protection on the Souris River. Flood protection for the Fargo region will also continue to move forward."

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it has selected the Red River Valley flood protection project as one of six that will begin construction in Fiscal Year 2016. The Corps' work plan includes $5 million to support the project. The Corps also announced that it has selected Minot and the Souris River Basin for a new permanent flood protection study in Fiscal Year 2016. The Corps' work plan includes $200,000 to get the study started. Additionally, the administration's Fiscal Year 2017 budget includes $500,000 for Minot flood protection.

As part of the state's ongoing commitment, the 2015 Legislature agreed to provide as much as $570 million for Fargo flood protection. The state has also committed more than $225 million for flood recovery and permanent flood protection in the Minot area. Additionally, Dalrymple has regularly met with members of President Obama's cabinet, with Corps' leadership and congressional leadership to press for permanent flood protection.

Source