Grand Forks Studies Plan to Avert Next Flood
- Share via
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — More than 1,000 people would be forced to move away from the Red River under a preliminary plan to protect this flooded city from such disasters in the future.
The plan, hastily developed by city engineers, would give the river more room to navigate between Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, Minn., by widening or realigning the channel, city engineer Ken Vein said.
Hundreds of riverside homes, several blocks of downtown businesses, an elementary school and possibly even the city’s water treatment plant could be demolished, and the people relocated.
There was no word on the cost, or who would cover it.
“If that’s what they need to do to save the rest of the community, that’s a good thing,” said Jeff Lafrenz, 27, wearing rubber gloves and wading boots as he pumped out the basement of his house Tuesday. “I don’t want to leave here, but I’d hate for this to ever happen again.”
The preliminary plan was presented to the City Council on Monday night. The council took no immediate action on the relocation.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
