Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Bismarck, N.D.

Feds approve $15 million to finish Grand Forks dike

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

(AP) - The Bush administration has approved $15 million to finish the giant Grand Forks dike project by September, the state's congressional delegation says.

The levee system is expected to cost more than $400 million. The Army Corps of Engineers began work on it in 2000, three years after the Red River flood disaster that swamped Grand Forks and neighboring East Grand Forks, Minn., forcing residents to flee.

Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan and Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., said the system is 97 percent complete, with 30 miles of levees, two miles of floodwalls, 22 pump stations and 10 miles of diversion channels.

"In the decade since the flood, the Grand Forks community has rebuilt itself in such a tremendous way. However, we cannot leave their hard work and efforts vulnerable to another devastating flood," the delegation statement said Tuesday.

The city of Grand Forks is planning to mark the 10th anniversary of the flood with a series of events in April, including the dedication of the dike system.

Officials say former President Bill Clinton, who came to the city during the flood, will be unable to attend the anniversary but has prepared a videotaped message.

"We're not necessarily trying to celebrate a disaster," city spokesman Kevin Dean said. "We're trying to commemorate what happened and what is part of our history."

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)