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Flood Diversion Board of Authority—September 12, 2014 2 <br />Mr. Smith said the bid opening for the 2nd Street N pump station, Work Package 42A.2, <br />will be moved from September 16th to September 30th. A special board meeting will be <br />requested for October 2nd to approve the contract. Mr. Smith also provided an update on activities over the last month including <br />construction of the Oxbow/Hickson/Bakke (OHB) levee; demolition of a vacant property <br />in preparation for future construction in Oxbow; and pre-load gatewell work. <br /> Nancy Otto arrived for the remainder of the meeting. <br />Corps of Engineers report <br />Brett Coleman provided an update of activities by Corps of Engineers staff including <br />Maple River aqueduct physical model work; continued coordination and information to the Minnesota DNR during their EIS process; participation in weekly OHB levee coordination meetings; and continued coordination on in-town levee design. <br /> <br />Mr. Coleman said it is sometimes beneficial to review parts of the diversion project for <br />those who are newly involved. The diversion project is designed to provide benefits for <br />a 100-year event, with an allowance for communities to use emergency measures to flood fight to a 500-year event. An operation plan coordinated with the Corps, non- <br />federal sponsors, and environmental agencies is in the process of being developed. <br />Once a project partnership agreement (PPA) is executed, the non-federal sponsors of <br />the project will accept responsibility for its maintenance and operation. <br /> Mr. Pawluk asked about other flood protection options. Mr. Coleman said through the <br />federal EIS process many alternatives were explored, but only one feasible plan <br />presented itself: the FM Diversion Project. Ms. Williams added that the plan has been <br />authorized by Congress for construction, which further supports the single plan. <br /> Mr. Pawluk asked why the project cannot be built with levees. Ms. Williams said using <br />levees alone for flood protection does not meet the purpose and need for protection to <br />a 100-year certification level. Once the capacity of a levee system is reached there is <br />no further protection available. <br /> Dr. Mahoney said the plan the Corps has chosen is the best alternative for long-term <br />flood protection. Ms. Williams said the Minnesota DNR is looking at a northern <br />alternative plan, which would move the diversion one mile north. A similar plan was ruled <br />out by the Corps as it would impact more residential structures and be more expensive. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE/LEGAL UPDATE <br />Attorney Nancy Morris provided the legal update. Ms. Morris said there is no news to <br />report in regards to the lawsuits. At the request of the Diversion Board of Authority, a <br />scheduling conference was scheduled for September 25th between the involved parties. <br /> 6. TECHNICAL UPDATE <br />Task Orders / Authority Work Directives (AWD) <br />Mr. Smith reviewed one Task Order in the amount of $50,000 with Terracon Consultants, <br />Inc. for material testing services associated with the in-town levees; and one Authority <br />Work Directive in the amount of $20,000 with Houston Moore Group (HMG) for additional design detail for the Mickelson field levee extension to consider the properties to be