Viewpoints

All four U.S. senators from North Dakota and Minnesota, both governors, North Dakota's congressman, and Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson have voiced support for the current diversion project.

On September 23, 2011, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar made the following statement in Washington, DC, following the Army Corps Civil Works Review Board meeting to consider the project. Klobuchar attended the meeting and spoke in support of the project.

“The rising river doesn’t divide Minnesota and North Dakota -- it unites us. And that is the spirit of solidarity and partnership that is driving our efforts to create a permanent flood protection project. Local leaders in both Minnesota and North Dakota have reached across state lines to forge an agreement on how to protect our communities from the ravages of flooding, and our congressional delegations have worked across party lines to help make sure it is implemented in an effective, timely manner. Preparing for a natural disaster is no easy task. But, together, we will keep fighting to get this done, and I look forward to continue working on this important project.”

Also speaking at the meeting were Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Congressman Rick Berg (R-ND) as well as North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple, Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker, Moorhead Mayor Mark Voxland and Cass County Commissioner Darrell Vanyo.