FARGO (AP) - City officials in neighboring Moorhead, Minn., are considering future water sources other than the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, which would bring Missouri River water east.

Cliff McLain, a water manager in Moorhead, said further developing the city's capacity to draw water from the Buffalo Aquifer five miles east of the city would cost about $8.5 million. Current estimates are that Moorhead would have to pay $12.7 million to help build the Red River project.

Developers of that project are exploring the best way to supply more water for Fargo, Grand Forks and other Red River Valley communities. Fargo relies primarily on the Red River, which almost dried up during the drought-stricken 1930s.

The environmental effects of six proposed water supply alternatives are being studied. The federal Bureau of Reclamation has set an April 25 deadline for public comments.

The Red River Valley Water Supply Project is expected to cost more than $700 million. Gov. John Hoeven has signed legislation that guarantees $100 million in state money for the project.

McLain said that, for Moorhead, the cost difference between the two projects, including operations, could be in the tens of millions of dollars over the next 80 years.

"The preliminary numbers indicate that we will probably go to the east" for a backup water supply, Moorhead Public Service Commission President Ken Norman said. "But we can't be sure of that until we see final numbers for both projects."

If Moorhead pulls out of the Missouri River project, that means other participants might have to pay more.

Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker said he is not frustrated with Moorhead for considering other options.

"We had hoped that they would participate," he said. "It's their choice."