August 4, 2010

Dorgan secures federal funding for county water project

By Tina Foreman
Farmer Staff Writer

U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Water Appropriations, secured more than $35 million Tuesday for Fargo-Moorhead flood control work. He also obtained additional investments in other important North Dakota water projects, and a number of major energy research and development projects in North Dakota, and in the Research Corridors he created in the state.
The funds are included in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill which Dorgan wrote, and which was approved Tuesday by the committee he chairs. The full appropriations committee is expected to approve the bill later this week.
The bill also contains funding that will allow water to be delivered to many rural residents and businesses in McKenzie County.
The McKenzie County Water Resource District will receive $1,825,000 which will be used to connect residents with rural water in various portions of McKenzie County.
“This funding will not help to bring Missouri River water to Watford City,” says Jaret Wirtz, McKenzie County Water Resource District director. “However, this funding will be a great asset to the county.”         
“This legislation includes important and major investments in North Dakota’s future,” Dorgan said. “Our state will be stronger, and we will continue to build and attract new businesses, industries and jobs to North Dakota because of these investments.
“Innovative energy production and research have been a critical component of economic growth in our state. These investments will continue to boost energy activities in the Research Corridor,” Dorgan said.
In addition, the bill provides for safe water supplies and improved management of the state’s water resources, including $50 million for Garrison Diversion projects and $14.3 million for North Dakota environmental infrastructure.
The bill now goes to the full Senate Appropriations Committee for approval.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER