BISMARCK -- Democratic-NPL legislators propose a bill authorizing the attorney general to sue the Manitoba premier.
But Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said he's already doing what the Democrats propose.
House Minority Leader Merle Boucher, D-Rolette, said it is wrong for Premier Gary Doer to interfere with the Northwest Area Water Supply project. The province has sued in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., to challenge the project. Sixty-five percent of the money being used to construct NAWS is federal.
Manitoba seeks a comprehensive environmental analysis. In an October news release, the Manitoba government said it fears transfer of Missouri River water into the Souris River basin.
Boucher said the NAWS pipeline project from Lake Sakakawea to Minot and other cities does not affect the Souris River's route through Canada. The Manitoba suit is an inappropriate interference, he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said Friday he's prepared a bill that would allot $2.5 million from the Water Resources Trust Fund to Stenehjem so he can take legal action against Premier Gary Doer.
Manitoba's lawsuit could also affect whether the Red River Valley ever gets water through the Dakota Water Resources Act, Boucher said, because if the Canadian province can stop one water project, others are endangered.
"If they stop NAWS, water isn't going to get to Fargo," he said.
Stenehjem said Boucher should have talked to him first, as his office is already working diligently to defend North Dakota interests in the NAWS lawsuit.
"I don't need additional authority," he said. "We're 10 miles ahead of him. While I appreciate his offer to give me $2.5 million, I don't need it."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Janell Cole at (701) 224-0830
