Lawmakers hear updates on Red River Valley Water Supply project funding, schedule and assurances

Summary

Officials and local mayors told the Appropriations — Education and Environment Division that the Red River Valley Water Supply project is advancing, outlined state and local funding shares, described steps to protect small users, and answered lawmakers’ questions on drought assurances and capacity. No committee vote was recorded at the hearing.

The Appropriations — Education and Environment Division opened a public hearing on House Bill 1020 to receive updates Thursday on the Red River Valley Water Supply project, presenters said.

Garrison Diversion Conservancy District and Lake Agassiz Water Authority leaders described the project’s technical scope, a near-term construction schedule and financing plans, and answered questions about drought assurances and long-term capacity.

Speakers told the committee the project will move water from the Missouri River via the McCluskey Canal, with pipeline segments already under contract. "It's a 25 miles. It's a pretty long length of pipe that we have to put in and it's a 7 foot pipe 15 feet below the ground," said Tim Mahoney, mayor of Fargo and chairman of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority. Mahoney and others described the system as an "emergency water supply" that some communities also view as an economic-development driver.

Bernie Dardis, mayor of West Fargo and a LAWA…

Lawmakers hear updates on Red River Valley Water Supply project funding, schedule and assurances

Summary

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