FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson wants a provision in the next federal farm bill that would set aside $50 million a year to fund water retention projects in the Red River Valley.
The Minnesota Democrat's proposal over 10 years would cover half of the estimated $1 billion cost. Local and state governments would need to come up with the rest.
The retention projects would be separate from a proposed Red River diversion project in the Fargo-Moorhead area. But Peterson says water retention would reduce the flood threat from a diversion to downstream communities.
Area residents have spent the last two springs battling major floods, including a record-setting crest in 2009 that damaged hundreds of homes and forced thousands to evacuate.
Peterson heads the House Agricultural Committee, which drafts the farm bill.
