Jay McNamar Questions Fargo Diversion Authority

As a state Representative in Minnesota, I am voicing concerns about construction moving forward on a ring dike around Oxbow, N.D., before an environmental impact statement can assess possible effects of the project. The ring dike could have negative impacts on communities upstream, including Wolverton, Minn., and many Wilkin County property owners in the floodwater staging area.

I supported increased funding for flood mitigation for Minnesota communities up and down the Red River Valley in 2014, but North Dakota needs to wait for the Department of Natural Resources to finish the Environmental Impact Statement. They are moving ahead in their own self-interest without knowing possible negative impacts to our communities and property owners, and that’s not right.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is working to complete an impact statement to assess the impacts of the Fargo-Moorhead diversion plan on Minnesota. In recent days, other Minnesota legislators have also voiced their opposition to moving ahead without all of the facts.

I want to see this project done right – and fairly. I can’t support funding a project that only prioritizes property owners on the North Dakota side of the river.

I encourage constituents to contact me with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4929 or by email at rep.jay.mcnamar@house.mn.