Minnesota Senator addresses fears about diversion plans
Moorhead, Minn. (WDAY TV) - A Minnesota lawmaker isn't budging about what permanent flood control plan he favors for the Red River Valley. Senator Al Franken stopped in Moorhead and Hendrum to address fears the federal government isn't concerned about smaller towns.By: Travis Skonseng, WDAY
- Minnesota Senator Al Franken
It's not everyday you see a Washington lawmaker getting his hands dirty. As Minnesota Senator Al Franken fills bags for the short term flood fight, the long term solution is on his mind.
“There's no clear perfect solution here.”
Franken is working with lawmakers on both sides of the Red River to see what project is best.
“I'm not coming down on the side of any plan.”
He wants local leaders to decide.
“My job is to support the community. My job isn't to make this decision for the community. I think that's inappropriate.”
Franken says the Minnesota 20k plan doesn't offer enough relief. The Minnesota 3 k plan also has problems. He seems to be leaning toward a North Dakota diversion.
“35k in North Dakota is more expensive but may be worth it.”
“I was surprised how well informed he's been on what we've done and what still needs to be done.”
Local leaders don't mind Franken is leaving the decision to them. After all, there are worries with all the plans, tributaries in North Dakota; Dilworth in Minnesota.
“There's no question that no matter which side it goes on, there's going to be some issues that are going to need to be resolved.
Franken says the downstream impacts are inevitable, but there are retention or storage possibilities, but the federal government needs a local decision.
“First of all, I got to fight for authorization and appropriation, but I also want to fight at the highest level possible for the federal government.”
He's talking with the Army Corps General to see if the process is going properly and what funding options are available. A diversion will cost up to 1.4 billion dollars.
"We have some influence and we will fight very hard to make sure that whatever project is chosen that it will be authorized and funded."
Franken wants to make sure the federal funding formula is 65-35. He then plans to help the state and local communities with funding.
Tags: travis skonseng, minnesota legislature, minnesota, flood, franken, moorhead, news, diversion
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