HORACE, N.D -- Protesters of the Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion showed up to the groundbreaking of the $2.1 billion federal flood control project near here this afternoon. U.S. Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., spoke to them while there.
While the diversion is meant to protect the Fargo-Moorhead area from flooding, protesters say the project will displace many longstanding residents and farms south of the metro area by creating an unnecessary flood-retention area.
The ceremonial groundbreaking event took place near where an inlet structure would be constructed. Minnesota joined a lawndowner lawsuit to try to stop the federal project. A federal judge is expected to soon rule on whether the federal government must meet state environmental requirements imposed by Minnesota.
Check back for more on this developing story.
