The cautious optimism regarding federal funding for the Fargo-Moorhead flood control diversion is justified. Several hurdles have yet to be cleared. But Monday's meeting in Washington, if not unprecedented, was a rare gathering of federal, state and local officials, all focused on permanent flood control for the F-M metro. The sentiment in favor of the North Dakota diversion was clear, but so was the caveat that funding an expensive public works project in tight economic times will be a challenge.
Nonetheless, optimism is warranted because North Dakota's congressional delegation has been able to get the attention of high-level officials from the involved federal agencies. It's a big day when all the players in a major public works project are at the same table. That's what happened Monday in Washington, and it bodes well for the diversion's future.
Make no mistake about it: North Dakota's congressional delegation not only sponsored the meeting, but also made sure top people from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the federal Office of Management and Budget were in the room. The clout of Sen. Byron Dorgan's leadership on a Senate committee that funds public works projects cannot be minimized.
But neither can the fact that two states, two cities and two counties are directly involved in building flood protection for Fargo-Moorhead and its immediate environs. In addition to Sen. Dorgan, Sen. Kent Conrad and Rep. Earl Pomeroy from North Dakota, the meeting included Minnesota Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar and 7th District Congressman Collin Peterson. The combined influence of the two delegations cannot be ignored by federal agencies. When the senator called, agency heads responded.
Moreover, the meeting included Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, who both have been effective advocates for valley flood control. The cooperation among mayors, county commissioners and water district supervisors demonstrates wide and deep local support for permanent flood control, a crucial element for the project's ultimate success. Local interests must have their act together before the federal government will come on board.
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It's not a done deal. But at every step along the way thus far, analyses have confirmed the need for a diversion in concert with other watershed management and flood protection strategies. The Monday conclave in Washington was one of the most important steps in that process.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.
