WASHINGTON (AP) - The Army Corps of Engineers plans to fund the final $6.3 million needed to complete the planning, engineering and design phase for the Red River diversion project.
That's an important step for a project that local supporters have sought to relieve regular flooding in the Fargo, N.D., and Moorhead, Minn., area.
The funding news came as President Barack Obama's proposed 2015 budget did not include any funding for construction of the diversion. Lawmakers say that means they will have to work harder to keep the diversion project moving forward.
Republican Sen. John Hoeven says the delegation has a ''real challenge'' ahead. But he says complete design funding is an important piece. Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp says she will now focus on getting authorization for construction.