BISMARCK, N.D. - The Bureau of Reclamation will hold public scoping meetings in October to seek comment for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply (ENDAWS) project.
"This is a bulk water supply project that would deliver an alternate water supply to the state of North Dakota's Red River Valley Water Supply Project," said Reclamation Area Manager Arden Freitag. "This would help to improve water reliability standards, given the significant variation in water supplies and high potential for drought on the Red River."
The proposed action includes construction of ENDAWS project features, issuance of a water repayment contract for Garrison Diversion Unit facilities, issuance of permits to construct and maintain ENDAWS facilities on Reclamation rights--f-way, and compliance with the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909.
The purpose of the public scoping process is to inform those interested or affected by the proposed action, as well as to gather input regarding issues and concerns. Input received through the scoping process will help Reclamation define the scope of an environmental impact statement, identify significant issues to be analyzed in depth, as well as identify issues that are not significant and could be eliminated from detailed study. Public input can also help Reclamation identify other environmental reviews and/or consultation requirements, so Reclamation has time to initiate these, as needed, and integrate them into the EIS.
There will be three public scoping meetings starting at 6:00 p.m. each evening:
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, Fargo
Delta Hotels by Marriott-Overture Room, 1635 42nd Street Southwest, Fargo, North Dakota
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, Bismarck
Ramkota Hotel- Cannon Ball Room, 800 South 3rd Street, Bismarck, North Dakota
Thursday, Oct. 24, Jamestown
Stutsman County Law Enforcement Center - Basement Room 1, 205 6th Street Southeast
Jamestown, North Dakota
Both verbal and written comments will be accepted at the meetings. In addition, comments may be submitted by mail, e-mail, or FAX to:
Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project
Bureau of Reclamation, Dakotas Area Office
304 East Broadway Ave
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
Email: ENDAWS.EIS@usbr.gov
FAX: 701.250.4590
Comments should be received by close of business on Dec. 15, 2019.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
