![]() Several steps were taken before the Final EIS was developed. The purpose of the EIS was to evaluate alternatives to meet the long-term water needs of the Red River Valley in North Dakota and three border cities in Minnesota East Grand Forks, Moorhead and Breckenridge. Garrison Diversion (representing the State of North Dakota) and the Bureau of Reclamation (representing the federal government) were co-leads in the development of the EIS. View the Red River Valley Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. Garrison Diversion was designated by the governor to represent the State of North Dakota in the RRVWSP. The DWRA also mandated the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with joint leadership between the federal government and the State of North Dakota. For this reason, the RRVWSP was proposed. If this were the case, water supplies in the Red River Valley would be insufficient. Studies show a severe drought, similar to that of the 1930s, will likely repeat by the year 2050. The need for the project arose from the drought-prone Red River. The Dakota Water Resources Act (DWRA) of 2000 authorized the RRVWSP in order to provide a reliable supply of quality drinking water for the Red River Valley. The supplemental RRVWSP to central and eastern North Dakota during times of water scarcity will protect public health, ensure ongoing economic vitality, and provide for environmental benefits in the river systems.Īuthorized by the Dakota Water Resources Act In addition, State law discourages the conversion of groundwater irrigation to drinking water. Additionally, limited groundwater supplies are nearly fully appropriated. Surface water supplies in central North Dakota and the Red River Valley are limited and unreliable, particularly under drought conditions. ![]() The estimated financial impact of a drought similar to the one North Dakota experienced in the 1930s is $33 billion over a 10-year period. The RRVWSP is necessary to protect our communities and economy from the devastating effects of drought. The project will use a buried pipeline to convey treated Missouri River water from the McClusky Canal in central North Dakota, along Highway 200 to the Sheyenne River to be used by water systems in the central and eastern North Dakota. For this reason, Garrison Diversion and the Lake Agassiz Water Authority are moving forward with the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP). Without a supplemental water supply during times of water scarcity, there would not be enough water to meet the needs of water users in central North Dakota and the Red River Valley. Central and eastern North Dakota are in need of a reliable, high quality water supply. ![]()
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