A state water projects budget includes money for flood-control projects and planning in the Red River Valley.

North Dakota's Senate approved the two-year budget of the state Water Commission on Thursday. It now moves into conference committee negotiations between the House and Senate. A six-member group of lawmakers will work out the budget's final details.

The bill provides $75 million over four years for a flood control project for Fargo's south side. Its total cost is estimated at $161 million. Construction is be finished by July 2012.

The Water Commission budget bill says the state money should be used only for buying land and construction on the Fargo project.

The measure has $500,000 to study long-term flood control options in the Red River Valley.

It includes $12 million in federal stimulus money to extend the Southwest Water Pipeline. The pipeline supplies water to communities in southwestern North Dakota.

The bill is HB1020.

- Associated Press