FARGO (KFGO) - A federal judge has shut down construction of the F-M Flood Diversion Project.
In a ruling handed down Thursday afternoon, U.S. District Judge John Tunheim wrote "The Corps and the Diversion Authority and all other individuals or entities acting in concert with the Corps and the Diversion Authority shall cease and desist all construction work on the Fargo-Moorhead flood risk management project until further order of the court.”
Tunheim's order also says “If portions of project construction have no impact on Minnesota’s waterways, the court will consider requests to allow certain construction to go forward.
Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney said “this ruling delays the protection of every family, business, and home in our community,”
Moorhead Mayor Del Rae Williams said “I’m disappointed the judge ruled against our city, our businesses and our homeowners. I hope this ruling will help bring the MDNR back to the table to discuss how to move forward on permanent flood protection for Moorhead and Fargo.”
Opponents have been fighting the project because of environmental concerns and impacts on upstream landowners.
Minn. 7th District Rep. Collin Peterson said "I think what this means is, there's going to be a different project. It's not going to be exactly the same project that was put together." Peterson said "this has thrown a big monkey wrench into the project, there's no question."
Minn. Gov. Mark Dayton said “This ruling is excellent news for the safety and protection of Minnesotans, whose lands and livelihoods could be devastated by the diversion project, as proposed. Importantly, it also upholds Minnesota’s rightful permitting authority."