Deadline Set for Diversion Realignment

FARGO, N.D.(AP)- Fargo-area officials have been given until January 31st to argue their case for a proposed Red River diversion alignment about a mile and half farther west than the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' preferred route.

West Fargo Mayor Rich Mattern says that's more time than some local officials expected, but it still means a lot of work needs to get done over the next six weeks.

Corps spokesman Craig Evans says the agency wants to decide on

an alignment so it can focus attention on one plan.

Fargo-area residents have spent the last two springs battling major floods, including a record-setting crest in 2009 that damaged hundreds of homes and forced thousands to evacuate.

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