hobart-lakemapValley City (CSi) A public hearing was held Monday morning at the Barnes County Highway Department building, by the Barnes County Water Resource District and the Red River Joint Water Resource District, concerning a permit to build an outlet near Hobart Lake.

The purpose of the outlet is to remove high water as a result of natural overflowing west of Valley City, near or on the edge of both Old Highway 1 and Interstate 94 and to reduce the threat to township roads.

The proposal includes a plan to bury a pipe along three quarters of a mile and over a half mile of channel improvements to drain the water into the Sheyenne River.

At Monday’s meeting, those advocating the outlet said it would aid in mitigating flooding that can occur from heavy rainfall, that has happened in the past.

Landowner Ed Thom has farmland under water and a farm home close to the higher water and supports the project.

Those opposed to the project say other methods would work such as water retention, which should be looked at before building the estimated $820,000 project, which will come from taxpayers in the form of federal, state and local dollars.

The Barnes County Water Resource District will vote on the proposed permit at the end of the public comment period.

 

Previously…

Valley City (CSi) The Barnes County Water Resource District and the Red River Joint Water Resource District will hold a public hearing concerning a proposal to build an outlet near Hobart Lake, Monday, February 23 at 9:30am at the Barnes County Highway Department building.

The purpose of the outlet is to remove high water from the lake that is naturally overflowing west of Valley City.

FEMA has declared a disaster for Barnes County and the project has qualified for funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The proposed outlet will reduce high water currently near or on the edge of both Old Highway 1 and Interstate 94 and reduce the threat to township roads.

People with disabilities who plan to attend the hearing and require special arrangements should contact the Barnes County Water Resource District office at 701-845-8508.