Minot, N.D., officials are proposing a flood diversion plan for a river that spilled its banks earlier this year and forced thousands of people to evacuate.
The idea announced on Nov. 18 would divert the Souris River through channels at two locations, the Minot Daily News reported.
“The engineers indicate that these alternatives are viable, improve the hydraulic flow of the river and would reduce the number of homes needed to be acquired,” said Curt Zimbelman, mayor of Minot. “I believe it is important that we look at all viable options.”
The swollen river inundated much of Minot earlier this year, flooding more than 4,000 homes and businesses. Some residents in the affected areas have started to rebuild their homes.
The plan calls for the normal river channel to be closed to allow the river to run through the diversion channels. The dimensions and a timeline for the project have not been determined.
“Our preliminary analysis indicates we can have a significant reduction of properties impacted” with a diversion, said Jason Westbrook, project manager.
A proposed Souris River flood-control plan that was unveiled earlier this month calls for the purchase and removal of several hundred homes in the area.
The Daily News reported that adding a possible diversion to the mix is partly a response to suggestions from residents.
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