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.
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