MOORHEAD, Minn. (KFGO) - The Moorhead City Council and the Clay County Commission want Gov. Mark Dayton to order the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources to resume discussions with a local panel regarding the FM Diversion project.
The DNR was part of a technical working group that was assembled to address the agency's concerns about the project. Clay County Commissioner Kevin Campbell says he thought progress was made, but the agency suddenly quit communicating.
“Once the Corps started on the outlet, the DNR decided that they no longer wanted to be part of the working group” Campbell said. “We think that’s not in the best interest of the city of Moorhead, not in the best interest of Clay County and not in the best interest of the DNR.”
A draft of a letter being prepared for Dayton says the DNR's decision to cease communication was a “surprise” and a “disappointment.” The letter says Minnesota is needed "now more than ever" to be present and active in diversion-related discussions.
The letter concludes “Please help reconsider the decision to cease communications with us. Having the DNR at the table to keep dialogue progressing will aid in our efforts to protect our community’s safety and livelihood.”
The letter is being distributed to Moorhead City Council members and Clay County Commissioners for final approval.