Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski traveled to Bismarck this week to plug the Red River Valley Water Supply Project. The project would bring Missouri River water to eastern areas of the state during times of drought.
Bochenski told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee that dry conditions this summer exposed parts of the Red River that haven’t been seen for decades. Bochenski says not only will it benefit nearly half of North Dakota’s population – but it’s an economic development driver.
The request is for $50 million in so-called ARPA funds. Another project before the committee is a plan to spend $100 million dollars on piping natural gas from the Bakken to the eastern half of the state. Bochenski was asked if he has a preference between the two. “This is a great chance to put our state and the eastern half in a great position to grow business. So to answer the question…I’ll take it all.”
Bochenski also requested funding to support an underpass project at DeMers and North 42nd Street.
North Dakota lawmakers have scheduled six committee meetings to consider adjustments to the state budget. The Legislature will reconvene Nov. 8 to tackle redistricting and how to spend the state’s $1 billion in federal coronavirus aid.
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