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36 <br /> <br />An End to Litigation <br />It is my sincere hope that the effort by so many through this Task Force will result in the end of the <br />litigation that has plagued our communities, counties and states for over four years. Taxing our <br />citizens to pay for our courtroom battles must come to a close. The Governors' report should serve <br />as a beginning to an end and a means to close the door on our legal debate. I urge all parties, who <br />were present at the Task Force, to form a bonding agreement that finds a path forward where <br />compromise and cooperation can be codified and the permanent flood protection we need is <br />realized. <br /> <br />Process Should Drive the Policy of the Southern Embankment <br />I have heard of no item more contentious than the location of the dam and the southern <br />embankment. The Task Force had a number of positive discussions about this topic, but I accept <br />that it is our failure that we did not provide a clear path forward on this topic. <br /> <br />At the last meeting, three options were presented showing attempts to balance impacts and find <br />compromise among the varied interests. Mr. Lokkesmoe stated clearly that Option A could not be <br />permitted and both his words and the data shown put options B and C as nearly identical toward the <br />goals set forth in the Task Force Charter. After that, Colonel Calkins spoke of the increased public <br />safety risks associated with doubling the length of the embankment so near a dense population that <br />option B would not meet the standards set by federal authorization. While many spoke <br />in support for Option C as the preferred choice, discussion was ended before clear direction was <br />given. <br /> <br />Understanding the need for further study of the exact location, there was only one option that met <br />the goals of the Charter to further balance the impacts between the states, reduce the impacts mostly <br />out of neighboring counties, maintain authorization, and was equal toward getting to a permit. This <br />was Option C, and I urge the technical group to include this option in its final report. <br /> <br />The Task Force was more successful than many could have hoped. The leadership and contributions <br />of the governors was most appreciated. As Governor Dayton stated, "failure is not an option." The <br />legacy we leave future generations is ours to script here and now. <br /> <br /> <br />