11-13-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Flood Diversion Board of Authority—October 9, 2014 3 Additional member from upstream area Mr. Vanyo said an offer was extended last month to Perry Miller, Chairman of the Richland-Wilkin JPA and Dave Morken, Chairman of the MNDAK Upstream Coalition, for their groups to nominate a member to the diversion board to represent upstream interests. He did not receive a response until this morning, which was sent by their attorney, and did not provide an answer about appointing a new member to the board. Ms. Otto said Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and Dilworth have been in this together since 2009 when the area experienced serious flooding. She said Fargo and Moorhead almost lost portions of their cities, and despite additional flood control measures implemented since 2009, Moorhead still does not have sufficient protection from significant flooding without the diversion project. OHB levee lowered to 100-year protection Mr. Campbell discussed the meeting held in Moorhead with Governor Dayton last month, and said it appeared the governor was not provided with all of the information regarding the project and its history. Mr. Campbell is encouraged to hear the governor is willing to talk to Corps of Engineers officials next month, and said he and Ms. Otto also offered to talk with him about the project. Mr. Campbell said given the comments made by the MDNR regarding the OHB levee, he would like to see the diversion board lower the levee to the 100-year level until the MN EIS is complete. Mr. Vanyo said the Land Management Committee approved the OHB levee to be lowered to the 100-year level without the diversion project, which would lower the structure by about six feet. He suggested the board also approve that any further construction on the levee be lowered to the 100-year level without the diversion with the understanding that the issue will be readdressed after the MN EIS is complete. MOTION, passed Mr. Campbell moved and Ms. Otto seconded that further construction on the Oxbow-Hickson-Bakke levee be lowered to the 100-year certifiable level without the diversion project. Discussion: Mr. Bennett asked about the cost involved with the change. Mr. Berndt said in order to minimize costs, the levee will be constructed to the full width with the intent to add to the structure later. Mr. Brodshaug said the Cass County Joint Water Resource District (CCJRWD) also discussed the wider footprint in order to allow for a higher elevation at a later time. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Campbell asked that Governor Mark Dayton and the MDNR be informed of this action taken by the board. Mr. Brodshaug said the Agricultural Policy Subcommittee is studying the impacts on land in the staging area. He said additional members (farmers or other affected residents) are needed to provide additional input, and he encouraged anyone interested in serving on the committee to contact a board representative.