Republished with permission from:Richland-Wilkin Joint Powers Authority
Original Publication Date:
June 18th, 2013
Wahpeton Daily News
Republished with permission from:
Trana Rogne, board member Mndak Upstream Coalition
Is the true purpose of the FM Metro Flood Protection Project to subsidize development of rural Cass County south of Fargo, while promoting diversionary tactics to divert attention from more reasonable and affordable solutions?
The first flood control plan was moved from Minnesota to North Dakota because the North Dakota plan “protected more land” – 70 square miles rather than the Minnesota plan which protected 30 square miles. The North Dakota side is willing to require taxpayers to fund the additional cost because they get something back.
The FEIS (Final Environmental Impact Statement, Appendix C) details the benefits to developers that will result if the regulatory flood plain controls are eliminated for each of the various types of development, residential and commercial.
We see how the FM Diversion Plan was designed to protect the future growth area as set out in Fargo’s 2007 Growth Plan (FEIS Appendix O).
We see the future development area, the protected area, coincide with the Fargo School district’s boundaries, at the expense of other districts.
We see that the future development of Southern Cass and Clay counties, and northern Wilkin and Richland counties is sacrificed by the requirements of Fargo’s dam and holding pond.
We see future development in areas of West Fargo also stopped under the rational that the area is a flood-prone water storage area and is therefore not allowed to be developed. Development of Fargo’s floodplain however, is subsidized at taxpayer expense and possible only by flooding the property of other communities.
This issue of future development of the floodplain is the most harmful aspect of the project. It takes value from one group of citizens and gives it to others under the guise of flood control. Alternative plans that do not subsidize Fargo’s development have been disregarded and ignored.
Does the state and federal government have a plan in promoting growth in one area to the detriment of its citizens in another area? This is a discussion that has not taken place. Mr. Mayor Walaker, will you have this discussion?
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