The House has decided that no money should be spent on the Fargo Red River Diversion project – until federal funding is assured, and there is a consensus about what the project will finally look like.
The House amended the water commission’s budget so that no money can be spent on property acquisition or ring dikes in the area south of Fargo that will be affected by the diversion.
"There was not a consensus in the Red River Valley with regards to this project," said Rep. Bob Skarphol (R-Tioga), a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "Even though the project protects 92 percent of the people, it leaves 8 percent of the people subject to some degree of vulnerability. Until more of those issues can get resolved, your House Appropriations Committee does not believe it is in the best interests of the state of North Dakota to spend additional dollars on a project that may or may not go forward."
The budget does include $100 million for Fargo to raise its diking system to 42 and a half feet.
The measure passed 90-4. It will now be considered in the Senate,
