<< Read and Download Original Jean Anderson Comment Letter >>
November 4, 2011
Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
ATTN: CECW-P (IP)
7701 Telegraph Road
Alexandria, VA 22315-3860
Dear Corps members;
Three concerns I have about the proposed Fargo-Moorhead diversion reflect concerns for the proposed holding area south of the metro area:
| 1) | Proper compensation for farm families/businesses, now and for generations to come, is not in place and currently implies that we should trust in the possible future methods of compensation.
My motto is Trust but Verify. If the diversion project proceeds, please confirm, with historical examples, what federal law means by: “each affected parcel will be appraised and assessed for impact: as a way to determine what “just compensation” might be”. While an article in the Forum, October 23rd states, Appraisals will set fair market value at the time the corps needs to take the land, and the offer price to landowners could be no less than that amount. The proposed diversion is already affecting market values and not in a positive manner. |
| 2) | Sacred sites like cemeteries hold the remains of loved ones. The idea that these sites may be ‘uprooted’ and moved to new locations is extremely disturbing. How far away will cemeteries need to be placed in order to be safe from flood waters? Who makes these decisions? |
| 3) | A log cabin built my Swedish ancestors in July 1870, remains standing and fit along the Red River and is a National Historic site. |
The impact and importance of cultural and community heritage should be valued with the same weight as other economic values.
Finally. given the dismal economic state of our nation, states, counties, cities, and citizens – is it even believable that there is money to cover all the expected costs of the diversion?
With thanks for your attention to these concerns,
Jean Anderson
Clay County owner of Trees in the Valley
And farmland never before flooded
420 6th Avenue South #207
Fargo, NO 58103
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