Issue Position: Flood Mitigation

Issue Position

One function of limited government is to provide for its citizens services and infrastructure they as individuals cannot provide for themselves. National defense, building of roads, Post Offices, law enforcement, building of dams and flood mitigation are other examples of the proper role of government.

There is a very real problem with flooding along the Red River in our district. These recurring floods have cost millions of dollars to the affected communities. While the rainfall and snowmelt cannot be controlled, the effects of flooding can be mitigated. I have had personal experience with such flooding while being Mayor of Browns Valley. A diversion channel was constructed to divert the excess water away from the city. Although other solutions may be needed for different communities, this was the most cost effective way to deal with our problem.

However, funding was only part of the flooding solution. Equally important was working with the dual state agencies of South Dakota and Minnesota and private land owners. An equitable agreement was reached for all parties concerned and I was proud to help make it happen. It took time and a lot of patience but the results were worth it.

Just "bringing home the bacon" and spending state bonding dollars will not solve the Red River flooding problems of Minnesota communities like Breckridge and Moorhead and others farther north. It will take the experienced leadership of someone who has boots on the ground experience dealing with the day-to-day discussions and negotiations with multistate, federal and local agencies in regard to flooding. No one can speak with absolute assurance that all the money will be made available for such a project; especially with a looming huge deficit. However, I believe that with hard work, an equitable plan, and a striving for common ground, money can be secured for flood mitigation.

Already the flood affected communities and counties have a LLP (locally preferred plan) that puts 35,000 cfs diversion on the North Dakota side. I support this plan and will work to further this cooperative effort.

I have firsthand experience in dealing with all the challenges of flood mitigation including securing funding; working with other state, county and local governmental agencies; and coming up with a solution to make sure we were not taking our problem down stream. I understand the traumatic situation that Moorhead has experienced and I will do whatever it takes as your Senator from District 9 to move the whole process ahead.

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