Fargo is Fargo’s own worst enemy…, not not the Richland Wilkin Joint Power Authority and upstream property owners.
Despite various straw man arguments made against upstream property owners over the proposed Fargo Moorhead Dam and FM Diversion – the untold truth(s) that have been methodically withheld, from the taxpayers who are expected to fund the $2 billion plus project cost, will come into clear view as the Richland Wilkin Joint Powers Authority FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request(s) and subsequent federal challenges are filed against the FEIS.
Wilkin County State’s Attorney Tim Fox:
“This is not some frivolous lawsuit,” Fox said. “It’s a way to ensure that something that is wrong does not happen. … If Fargo wants to work with Richland and Wilkin counties to come to a resolution that would satisfy everyone, we’d be willing to do that. But they haven’t done that – not one bit.”
North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple sent a message to the Corps,
Diversion Authority and Fargo in a recent interview:
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Since 1969, Fargo has heavily developed the last natural flood plain adjacent to Fargo while simultaneously increasing risks to properties both outside and inside the proposed project area.
This risk comes in the form of water displacement which is relocated to higher elevations in the Red River – which present a significant risk to Moorhead and Fargo.
How much risk?
| Year | cfs flow | Gauge Feet |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | 25,300 | 37.34 |
| 2009 | 25,300 | 39.44 |
2.1 feet -or- 25.22 inches higher
Imagine if the 2009 flood crest had been 38.74 ft rather than 40.84 ft…
Changing the classification of the 2009 flood event from a 125 year event to a 50 year event to offset water displacement from natural flood plains, caused by Fargo’s intrusion into the last natural flood plain adjacent to the city, calls into question the legalities and ulterior economic motives behind Fargo & the Diversion Authorities media-spin for the proposed multi-billion dollar project containing high risk dams and features.
The financial impacts that upstream property owners have already felt is tantamount to theft.
Equity invested into property is like a bank account that has been aggressively seized for the sole benefit of Fargo’s desire to develop a vital flood plain that should be preserved to ensure the safety of the families and businesses within Fargo.
Jerry Von Korff of Rinke Noonan :
“If Fargo continues down this course, it will ultimately result in delay of needed flood control. That’s been the history of flood control projects that attempt to design flood control around the needs of one region of the watershed at the expense of another. The right way to get a project approved promptly and effectively is to come together and develop a mutually acceptable solution that provides comprehensive flood relief on a watershed wide basis”
Fargo currently has the same opportunity its had along…, to chance involve the “real stake holders” and pursue viable alternatives that will provide sensible flood protection for the region.
Fargo owes its existence “to” the region, not the other way around.
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