Winnipeg, for example, stands at risk of a property loss on the order of a San Francisco-style earthquake. Fargo's the same. And, of course, Grand Forks already experienced a disaster of that magnitude. The fact that Minnesota, North Dakota and Manitoba's governors and premier met to talk about this issue a few weeks ago seemed enough at the time. But it wasn't.
People forget, and complacency sets in, as time passes and no more flooding occurs.
But complacency is a feeling the Valley can't afford. Local congressional delegations also should focus more on the issue. And if they do, they could meet a warm reception in Washington. For the report was commissioned by, and is addressed to, U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright and her Canadian counterpart. It puts the federal as well as the local governments on notice of the need for action.