News Release Archive

Red River Valley Water Supply Project Draft Needs and Options Report Available

Media Contact: Patience Hurley, (701) 250-4242 ext. 3107, phurley@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: May 31, 2005

Reclamation is announcing the release of a draft, comprehensive water study that analyzes the needs of the Red River Valley through the year 2050. The Draft Report on Red River Valley Water Needs and Options proposes seven options to meet anticipated demand in the service area, based on an analysis of water quality and quantity needs for the Red River Valley. The draft study covers 13 eastern counties in North Dakota and Breckenridge, Moorhead, and East Grand Forks, Minnesota.

Of the seven proposed options, three would utilize existing groundwater sources in N.D. and Minn., while the other four would import water from sources such as the Missouri River and Lake of the Woods. Alternatives relying on the Missouri River include treatment plants that reduce the risk of transferring non-native biota. Six options supply sufficient water to meet predicted water shortages, and one option replaces all existing water sources with imported Missouri River water. Preliminary estimates range from $500,000,000 to $2,520,000,000, and include features that would supply bulk water for municipal, rural, and industrial use to the Red River Valley service area.

The draft report was prepared in accordance with the Dakota Water Resources Act of 2000 and is available for a 120-day review and comment period. The Draft Report on Red River Valley Water Needs and Options is available for download from www.usbr.gov/gp/dkao/. Comments on the report should be sent to Red River Valley Water Supply Project, Dakotas Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation, P.O. Box 1017, Bismarck, North Dakota, 58502-1017 by October 3, 2005.

For additional information or to request a hard copy, please contact Patience Hurley, Reclamation Public Involvement Specialist, at 701.250.4242 or phurley@gp.usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

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