Fargo-area group narrows flood control options

A group looking at flood control options for the Fargo area is narrowing its list.

The Metro Flood Study Work Group decided Thursday to eliminate the option that would include a series permanent levees and home buyouts, and focus instead on a Red River diversion plan.

Members of the group say they would prefer the diversion on the North Dakota side of the river. The Army Corps of Engineers has said a diversion on the Minnesota side would be less expensive.

The project must meet the corps' cost-benefit threshold to get federal support.

Corps project manager Aaron Snyder says the agency will continue to study a North Dakota diversion plan. Area officials are to present their preferred choice to the corps by Dec. 1.

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