<< Read and Download Original Lynn Larsen and Richard Geurts Comment Letter >>
Lynn Larsen and Richard Geurts
5539171 Ave SE
Christine, ND 58015
November 6, 2011
US Army Corps of Engineers
Attn: Brett Coleman
180 5th Street East, Suite 700 (PM-B)
St. Paul MN 55101
Re: Red River Diversion Project
Dear Mr. Coleman:
This is not a hate letter. We both have worked along side of the Army Corps of Engineers at various work locations in our careers and we know that the work you do is essential. This is not going to recount previous letters either. So, get a cup of coffee and relax for a second while you read this.
Previous letters outlined why we thought the project was wrong. Now, it has come to light that Fargo leaders have left a paper trail that clearly indicates that the diversion is not flood protection but a long range growth plan. This growth plan takes established communities and wipes them away to ensure that Fargo has no competition for development.
This growth plan is not in the scope of work of the Army Corps of Engineers. Flood protection is being addressed by installing new dikes and other less costly methods without disrupting local communities, farms, historical sites and cemeteries. Fargo and Cass County have used what had been a very real threat, flooding, to cloak their real agenda, expansion.
The real scope and reason of the diversion is Fargo expansion not resident protection. If Fargo wanted to protect the residents they would not have allowed recent development in high flood risk areas. The charter of the Army Corps of Engineers does not allow work done to promote growth of one community over another. You do more important work.
It is for this reason that we think that the Diversion plan should be withdrawn.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Lynn Larsen and Richard “Red” Geurts
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