U.S. District Court Judge John A. Tunheim heard arguments today in St. Paul, MN regarding motions made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and the Richland/Wilkin Joint Powers Association (JPA). The MDNR and the JPA are attempting to halt ongoing construction through a request for a preliminary injunction of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project, while the Corps is requesting that all claims be dismissed.
“Congress and the President have made it clear that continued construction of the FM Area Diversion Project is a national priority,” said Diversion Board Chair and Mayor of Fargo Tim Mahoney. “This hearing brings the lengthy legal process one step closer to resolving this court case.”
The Court is expected to take action on the motions sometime in the near future. In addition, it is also anticipated that the Court will schedule a trial on the matter at a later date.
“The Diversion Project is important to both Minnesota and to North Dakota,” Moorhead Mayor and Vice Chair of the Board Del Rae Williams said. “The threat of flooding cannot be fixed with legal action.”