Regional water boards asked to support joint powers agreement

At least seven township boards are banding together with a goal to reduce damage caused by Red River flooding in northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. The group has asked the Grand Forks County Water Board…Walsh County Water…and Middle-River Snake Water Board to enter into a joint powers agreement to better coordinate the effort. Supporters say flooding each year results in millions of dollars in damage to public infrastructure.

A 400 page report recommends new bridges for Oslo and Highway 317…road raises one mile east of I-29 and south of Oslo (MN)….and removal of restrictions including abandoned driveways to improve water flow. The cost to implement the changes is estimated at around $100 million dollars.

The Grand Forks County Board has been asked to give the local water board authority to enter into the agreement. Supporters note with 31,200 square miles of drainage area running through the Red River at Oslo the flooding is definitely a regional issue.

The Fix-the-Flood group says they have a good vision and will work with state and federal agencies to secure funding.