<< Read and Download Original Matt Askegaard Comment Letter >>
November 6, 2011
Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
ATTN: CECW-P (IP)
7701 Telegraph Road
Alexandria, VA 22315-3860
Dear Army Corps of Engineers,
I am writing in regards to the proposed Fargo/Moorhead Flood Diversion Project. This proposal affects me negatively in two ways, not to mention the way it negatively affects the environment. This flood diversion project should not be constructed.
The first and most important issue to me is if the diversion is built, it would have a negative impact on my family farm that was established in 1890 on the edge of the city of Comstock. This proposed diversion would take away land that my family has made a living off for over 100 years. It would also negatively affect the surrounding land, other local farms, and farmers that have made a living off of the land for generations.
Secondly, as a teacher in the Barnesville public school system (I.S.D. #146), this project would negatively impact my district. By virtually moving the flood plain 10 miles south of the cities of Fargo and Moorhead, our district would lose families and therefore students because of the displaced water. Fewer students would mean less money to the school district, resulting in decreased opportunities for the students.
The third and final point I would like to briefly mention is the negative impact it would have on the environment. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is not onboard with the proposed project because it negatively impacts the environment of the state of Minnesota. With all of the research I have done and the reports that have been provided to the citizens, this project only benefits the economic development of Fargo so the city can expand south and west. The city of Fargo has made the choice to build in a flood plain. Why should their decision to do so negatively impact the surrounding farms and communities? This project should not be constructed.
The only benefits of this proposal have a positive impact on the city of Fargo. We live in a democracy where all voices are heard and the majority rules. However, sometimes the needs of the few outweigh the perceived needs of the many.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Matt Askegaard
cc: Governor Mark Dayton,
Representative Keith Langseth,
Representative Collin Peterson,
Representative Paul Marquart,
Representative Morrie Lanning
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