The Red River Diversion Project -- April 10, 2021

I don't know how I missed this story. This is a big story. The US Army Corps of Engineers' plan to "divert" the Red River of the North to help prevent future flooding disasters in the Fargo / Moorhead area. 

Most recent news: the Minnesota DNR approved a permit; with that permit the $2.75 billion project apparently is one step closer to getting started. 

Link here to the StarTribune. Data points:

• the project has been stalled for many, many years
• 36-mile "ditch" to divert floodwaters away from developed areas;
• a flood control dam would back floodwaters up into farmlands and prairie on both sides of the river to the south;
• the project will span some 30,000 acres, and will protect a quarter million people
• anticipated construction: 2022 - 2027

Geology: the flat area in which Fargo/Moorhead is situated is an old, old dry lake bed: Lake Agassiz, and that explains why it so easily floods.