[Excerpts from Dec. 5th Governor Hoeven Press Release]
Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the North Dakota State Water Commission has approved the expenditure of up to $19 million to construct North Dakota’s Devils Lake Outlet. The unanimous vote clears the way to begin bidding the remaining portions of the project.

Hoeven has outlined a three-pronged Devils Lake flood protection plan, which asks that all regions pull together for a balanced solution:

* Protecting infrastructure by raising roads, building dikes and moving homes and businesses.
* Upper basin management and utilization.
* Building an outlet.

Construction expected in 2004 includes site grading, channel construction, pipelines, purchase and installation of pumps, and various control systems. Land acquisitions for right of way are ongoing. Total cost for the project is currently estimated at about $28 million. When completed, the project will move up to four inches of water a year off Devils Lake to the Sheyenne River. Devils Lake is currently at about 1446.3 feet above mean sea level..

Full Release

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