Outlet construction begins
By Gordon Weixel - Devils Lake Journal Managing Editor
October 22, 2002
They gathered on the shores of Round Lake late Monday afternoon
despite the sub-freezing
temperatures and overcast skies to get a look at what is the
first step in the construction of a
Devils Lake outlet.
It was almost a political rally with District 15 legislators
accompanied by Ramsey, Benson and
Towner county commissioners gathered to greet Governor John
Hoeven who has been the
driving force in the state-built outlet. State Water Commission
Engineer James Landenberger,
SWC Board member Curt Hofstad and Devils Lake Basin Manager Mike
Connor were also on
hand to provide some information.
The group gathered at the construction site on Round Lake's north
side and watched as two
Wanzek Construction earthmovers carted off tons of soil from the
lake's shore line clearing a
level pad for a pumping station. The soil is redistributed in a
nearby field where it's being used
to create a road leading to the construction site, a Wanzek blade
pushing it into place.
"The thing I want to emphasize is that this is just part of
what needs to be done to provide relief
for Devils Lake, the other parts being mitigation and upper basin
storage," the Governor told
onlookers. "This project is a partnership of state and local
governments and it will take a
cooperative effort to get the outlet built."
Hoeven noted the SWC was recently presented a report on biota
transfer developed by the State
Engineer which he feels will go a long way in gaining support
from Canada, Minnesota and
other downstream concerns. The state has sent copies of the
report to Manitoban officials for
review.
The Governor asked local officials what reaction they were seeing
from their constituents
regarding the state's plan.
"It's been positive, very positive," District 15
Representative Gene Nicholas shot back. "People
are happy to see something finally happening. This type of
activity is what we needed."
(for complete story see Oct. 22, 2002, Journal) 10/22/02