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New Red River Diversion Opposition Group Forms

COLFAX, N.D. (AP) -- A new group that has formed to oppose a proposed diversion of the Red River around Fargo and neighboring Moorhead, Minn., hopes to unite downstream and upstream interests on the north-flowing river.

A diversion would provide long-term flood control for the metro area. Opponents fear it might worsen flooding elsewhere.

The Forum newspaper reports that about 100 people gathered Sunday in Colfax to form the MinnDak Upstream Coalition. It aims to join forces with an opposition group of landowners downstream.

The goal of both groups is to stop the Army Corps of Engineers diversion project. Red River Basin Commission Chairman Jon Evert favors the diversion, though he says it needs to be done without harming other communities.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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