Reporting Rachel Slavik
FARGO, N.D. (WCCO) – The effort to prevent flooding from the Red River is nearly complete in Fargo and Moorhead.
Fargo wrapped up sand bagging efforts Thursday and Moorhead expects to finish Friday night.
The Red River is expected to crest this weekend and water is already up to Randy Osborne’s home in Moorhead.
“I’m protected to 40 feet, the river is at 38,” Osborne said.
While most rely on sandbags and dirt to keep their home dry, Osborne has a different method; he uses a lumber levee wall.
“I’d rather spend the money on this, maybe reuse it. It’s a whole lot cleaner. I think it’s stronger. We’ll see,” Osborne said.
He may be trying something new, but Fargo and Moorhead are sticking with a more traditional approach. Work continues on the clay dikes, making sure they can withstand a 39.5 foot crest.
Meanwhile, Minnesota lawmakers were in Grant County to make sure a reservoir built with taxpayer dollars to catch runoff could handle this year’s flood waters.
“There’s another one being looked at south of here which would control water to the north,” said state Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen.
Flood protection happens on many levels, but for homeowners like Osborne, the real flood fight is in their back yard.
“So far, it’s working,” Osborne said.
The National Guard is in both cities patrolling the levees, looking for any weaknesses that could cause problems this weekend.
