DORGAN KICKS OFF FLOOD FIGHT MEETINGS IN FARGO
Senator brings water, weather experts to Fargo to discuss action plan
Saturday, March 14, 2009
CONTACT: Justin Kitsch
or Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551
(FARGO, N.D.) – U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) began a series of roundtable discussions here today to address potential spring flooding issues in the Red River Valley.
Dorgan, who chairs the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Corps of Engineers, invited Mississippi Valley Division Commander Brigadier General Michael J. Walsh to attend the meeting to hear firsthand about potential flooding in the Fargo area. Also joining Dorgan at the event were Congressman Earl Pomeroy, Governor John Hoeven, Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker, and officials from the Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Weather Service.
“I brought these experts and leaders together to discuss a plan of action to address the potential for major spring flooding in this area,” Dorgan said. “Flooding is always a concern in this part of North Dakota, and this spring could pose some serious problems. We want to make sure that we’re prepared for whatever is coming our way.”
Fargo-Moorhead has just experienced its fourth snowiest meteorological winter on record. Adding to that snowpack was recent precipitation from a strong blizzard that dropped over 10 inches of snow.
The National Weather Service’s flood outlook for the southern Red River Valley is worrisome. The Cass County Commission has recently declared a spring flood emergency for the entire county. The city of Fargo has announced that it’s planning to build a temporary dike on Second Street North in its downtown to protect city hall.
To further outreach efforts, Dorgan will also host a regional meeting about flooding issues in Grand Forks today. He plans on having similar meetings in Devils Lake and Minot soon.
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