Oct. 1, landowners whose property is in the way of Roseau's flood control diversion channel will be able to see the precise footprint of the ditch.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Roseau will host a public meeting on the diversion portion of the flood control project at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting will provide information and seek public comment before the final design.
"The alignment has not changed," said Todd Peterson, the city's administrator. "But now they will know exactly where it is going on their properties. They will know the detail and what on their properties it might affect."
No homes are in the ditch's path. Peterson said Corps, city and construction officials already have met with the six property owners where the channel cuts through their yards. The other 30 affected property owners have the channel on agricultural land.
"Of the six, only one or two are significantly impacted where more than half of their property is affected," Peterson said. "Any buyouts would be voluntary."
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A land acquisition agreement has been reached with only one landowner, with six others in negotiations. The others will need to be done this winter because construction work is scheduled to begin in March.
The channel should be done in 2010, providing protection for the spring of 2011. The entire project should be completed in 2011.
The project will significantly reduce flood risk in Roseau, which suffered heavy damages in June 2002 from runoff from heavy rains.
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com .
