The burned-out First National Bank building was sold to a California developer willing to make a substantial investment to rebuild because he saw the opportunity to profit, O'Leary says. We've seen the sunrise downtown. But the biggest issue faced by both cities was how to avoid a repeat disaster. Following studies, hearings and acceptance of financial realities, a plan to build a series of dikes was adopted to control future flooding. Construction is expected to begin during 2000 and take about five years to complete.
Citizens are concerned about rising taxes to pay for the dike system, say sources from both cities.
East Grand Forks Mayor Lynn Stauss says that at least 1,000 families still face thousands of dollars of flood repair costs and can't be asked to pay higher taxes for anything, including dike construction. Stauss adds that the goal of East Grand Forks' government is to avoid raising property taxes for five years, giving residents time to get back on their feet. While a greenway will be constructed and shared by the Forks, Stauss says his city can ill afford to lose 500 residential and more than 20 business tax-paying properties that will be claimed by the dike. And in Grand Forks, an additional 195 homes along the planned dike will need to be moved or demolished. Nonetheless, as part of its downtown plan, Grand Forks has designed dual-purpose space on the dike's greenway that will provide recreation and festival space, with an amphitheater and lighting system that can withstand flooding.