News Releases for January 2004
January 22, 2004
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Hoeven Welcomes Powell Ruling On Devils Lake Outlet
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today welcomed a ruling by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell that the Army Corps of Engineers’ outlet at Devils Lake does not violate the Boundary Waters Treaty with Canada.
“Secretary Powell’s decision strengthens our effort to move forward with our temporary outlet on Devils Lake,” Hoeven said. “He has now provided additional assurance that an outlet would not violate the treaty and that water quality downstream will be protected.”
The state has been working on a three-part strategy at Devils Lake, including storing more water in the upper basin; mitigating around Devils Lake and building an outlet, which is already underway, according to Hoeven. The plan involves everyone working together to share the challenge, he said.
“We will continue to press forward with our state outlet,” Hoeven said. “The people of Devils Lake cannot afford to wait any longer to correct a situation that has already cost their community great hardship and the American taxpayers between $300 million and $400 million dollars in disaster aid.”
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