01-18-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

22 what we have not been able to locally. They created a forum for healthy dialogue and a renewed sense of commitment amongst the region that we have not had in many years. It is my sincerest hope that these talks will continue and lead to not just flood protection for Moorhead, but additional joint efforts that can have a lasting positive impact on our region of the country. Task Force Efforts I am so proud of the work we have been able to accomplish in Moorhead. With the support from those in St. Paul, we have made real strides and our citizens know it. The downside of doing such great work is that people have assumed we are done. This was apparent at the start of the Task Force meeting when much of the discussion was dedicated to what level of protection we are at, and a number of false assumptions were expressed. I want this report to make that issue clear. Not only did the Task Force identify and agree with the significant work that needs to be done to make sure the entire city is safe, the Task Force actually made recommendations that will require an additional $50 million worth of work that should be done within city limits. I think it is important to address the financial implications to Moorhead and Minnesota. The DNR previously identified a figure of 2 percent as the benefit to Minnesota. The 2 percent benefit figure has been used to calculate the anticipate funding level from the state, which amounts to approximately $43 million. With the changes from the Task Force, this $43 million is likely to go up using the same math. In addition, the $50 million of additional work in town will also have to be funding through the State. What this tells me is that the project previously developed was a good deal for Minnesota. With the changes from the Task Force to allow for a permittable project, I think the project is still a good deal, but it means our local legislators will have to do a lot of work to obtain that additional funding and continued support from those working in St. Paul is needed. I also wonder if we would be better off taking this opportunity to truly gain environmental benefits, rather than so narrowly focus on temporary impacts to farmland that will remain farmland. Rather than having the state spend $50 million to buyout more homes and displace families, we could create real environmental benefits such as retention for flood control and water quality improvements, buffer strips, wildlife habitat, etc. Instead, there remains an intense focused on preserving floodplain that is in the flood fringe and could be developed anyway over time. DNR Dam Safety Permit The Task Force brought more voices to the table. It was a good venue to discuss a project with a regional level of protection. It was also important for the discussion on where the impacts should be. It’s a strange concept that isn’t totally unique to water projects, but is certainly more prevalent. In order to protect the urban areas from being under water during a flood, you need to find a more appropriate place to store it. In essence, you have the unfortunate task of deciding where that water goes, and who ends up impacted. The changes suggested impact more people, more homes, and more farmsteads. This is unfortunate, but it also allows us to create less new floodplain land, which is important to obtaining a Minnesota permit. It is now up to regulators at the DNR to be fair and give direction to our technical team as it submits a new permit. I urge them to work quickly so permitting can be completed early this year to allow the use of the construction season before we lose out to another long winter. Governor Dayton laid out a path forward for us so that failure is not an option, and I expect all parties to move along that same path to obtain a permit, end litigation, and protect Minnesotans.