Rural Bismarck flood properties being auctioned in March

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Four properties bought from homeowners at Hoge (hohg) Island for a proposed flood levee on the Missouri River south of Bismarck will be auctioned in March.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that plans for the levee were abandoned last year after the Burleigh County Water Resource District polled residents on their willingness to pay more property taxes. Residents voted against the idea 110 to 15.

Consulting engineer Michael Gunsch says the water district will better define the nearly 5 acres of parcel descriptions and sale restrictions for the auction notice at its Feb. 10 meeting. The land sale then will be advertised for a sealed bid.

The properties flooded in 2011. The water district bought them for $1.3 million with the help of state money.