RRV water project timeline

Backers of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project are pushing plans to speed up the timeline for the project.

It will bring Missouri River Water to the Valley – and other areas of central and eastern North Dakota — in times of drought.

The supporters want to build out the project in six years, instead of ten.

Merri Mooridian is the administrative officer and project manager, and is employed by the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. She told the Legislature’s Water Topics Overview Committee it makes financial sense.  “What we are finding is a six year build is the most efficient and saves state and locals $100 million dollars compared to a ten year plan.”

Conservancy District Chairman Duane DeKrey said this would also add certainty to the timeline for the project – and that would also help with the cost.

DeKrey says inflation would likely add $20 million to $30 million per biennium in inflation.

NDPPR/KNOX