Jan 31, 2006 - 09:49:34 CST
9:50 a.m. - GRAND FORKS — While officials here consider a proposal to pipe Missouri River water to the Red River Valley in times of drought, their neighbors to the east question the need for it.Supporters of the Red River project, estimated to cost up to $660 million, say it is needed to prepare for a predicted 1930s-level drought between now and 2050.
City council members from East Grand Forks, Minn., who met with their counterparts on Monday in Grand Forks City Hall, said they probably can get by.
Council member Henry Tweten said East Grand Forks gets its water from the Red Lake River, not the Red River, and upstream dams can control the flow.
``We can't put a tax load on our people unless we can show a need,'' he said.
Grand Forks Council President Hal Gershman said he would like to defer any city payment for a Missouri River pipeline until taxpayers finish paying for the new Grand Forks dike system.
Dan Boyce, who heads the East Grand Forks Water and Light Department, believes a drought contingency plan, which the state requires the city to have, can help in dry years. He said it puts a cap on how much water the city can take out of Red lake.
``Part of what we're hearing from the (Department of Natural Resources) is 'Live within your means,''' he said.
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
We value and respect your privacy, but The Bismarck Tribune might
disclose certain information to governmental entities if served with subpoena.