The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1916-11-14
PUTTING
STATES
FRONT
Local Initiative Gets Call in
Flood Control
Congress
WILL NOT AWAIT The U. 5.
Need for Immediate Action
Impels Delegates to
Adopt Theory
Story Of yesterdays session on
nann

PAGE &c
That the Red River Flood Control
congress, in session here since yester-
day afternoon, will this afternoon de-
clare for state action in handling the
tremendous problem that confronts
the land owners of southeastern North
Dakota, northeastern South Dakota,
and western Minnesota, is regarded as
very likely. as result of the trend of
discussions during this mornings
session.
Briefly stated, the plan that prob
ably will be endorsed is:
Joint legislation by Minnesota,
North Dakota and South Dakota,
empowering the creation Of
creation of a joint commission to
handle the project and assess
benefits in the three states.
Action by the federal congress,
empowering the states to create
reservoirs and canalize rivers, and
do other work in government con-
troll waters that may be necessary
to the working out Of the project.
Calls upon the federal govern
ment for financial support for q
portion of the project cost.
Call upon the government Of
Minnesota for support for a por-
tion Of the cost.
The engineering committees report,
presented to the congress this morn
ing, and which probably will be adopt
ed with amendments, proposes state
ernment aid as may be obtained.
Takes Strong Stand.
F. L. Cliff Of OrtOnville. long active
in the valley flood control problem,
took a strong stand for the combina-
tion Of state interests, to handle the
project, in an address before the con-
gress just before the noon hour, and
the sentiment he expressed was gen.
erously applauded and seemingly ac-
cepted.
Stop the 5efs du Sioux.
Mr.. Cliff presented a plan for the
diking Of Lake Traverse and Big
Stone lake: the canalizing of the con-
Meeting river: the creation of reser-
voirs that would result in, completely
stopping the Bois du Sioux iow into
the channel of the Red river during
flood periods. as the means of solving
the valleys problems.
Cost is 100000.
Mr.. Cliff estimated the cost of
making Lake Traverse a reservoir. at
$3.50. 200.
The cost of making a reservoir out
of the Lac c-qui-parle lake. on the
waters Of the Bois du Sioux are turn
ed into Big Stone and hence into the
Minnesota river. instead of into the
Red river. was placed at $150.000
more
10000 Acres Benefited.
That the Bois du Sioux has caused
the flooding of $4,000 acres in Minne-
sofa. South Dakota adm North Dako-
ia. was Mr.. Cliffs assertion. and il the
whole project cost was borne by the
land directly benefited. the assess
ments would only be SIS an acre.
Mr.. Cliff, however, held the theory
that the government would aid to the
extent of $4,000 or 100000; that
Minnesota, because it is the offender
in creating drain conditions that have
made the Bois du Sioux a dangerous
and a flood producing river would
contribute another $4,000 or $780,
600.
Would Relieve Whole Trouble.
The Ortonville man contended that
this theory would solve the whole
flood problem for the upper Red river
valley.
o'NeiI Recites Conditions.
Senator O'Neil, Of Thief River Falls,
speaking on Red lake conditions.
maintained that the work essential to
the control of flood waters there could
be handled comparatively easy, by
the creation Of an impounding dam.
Requires Joint Action.
In putting the plan through, joint
legislative action in North Dakota,
South Dakota and Minnesota would
be required.
Judge Young Presents Report.
Judge N. c. Young presented a re-
port covering the legal phases of the
outlining the fact that rad
ical changes would have to be per-
fected in, present laws of the three
states in order to obtain benefits.
this morning. will report at the after
noon session today.
The congress will be brought to a.