ND, MN govs working on flood partnership

The governors of North Dakota and Minnesota and leading water officials on both sides of the Red River are endorsing a partnership to steer long-term flood control.

The partnership would be instead of a federal authority, which was talked about as an option when local leaders met with federal officials in Washington last May following record spring flooding in the Fargo area.

The North Dakota Legislature last year also passed a resolution urging Congress to establish a Red River Valley Authority.

Sen. Tom Fischer, R-Fargo, who serves as chairman of an area water district, now says an authority would be just another layer of bureaucracy.

North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven says the two states are working on an agreement that can serve as a compact on flood control in place of a federal authority. ---

Information from: The Forum

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