Federal Judge Blocks Work on Fargo-Moorhead Flood Project

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ A federal judge has blocked construction work on a Red River
flood control project in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

U.S. District Judge John Tunheim ruled Thursday the project needs to obtain the
necessary permits from Minnesota before construction can proceed. Minnesota so
far has rejected the permits.

The $2.2 billion proposal calls for a diversion channel to carry floodwaters
around the Fargo area. The Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority and Army Corps of
Engineers want to proceed with work on the North Dakota side without waiting for
Minnesota's approval.

Tunheim says there's no question that Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead,
Minnesota, need permanent flood protection. He urged the parties to work
together to find common ground and serve the interests of both states and the
affected communities.