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Dayton Warns Feds Not To Presume MN Will Back N.D. Flood Project

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is warning federal officials not to presume his state will approve a permit for the Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project.

In a recent letter to the director of the Office of Management and Budget and an assistant Army secretary, Dayton says he's "deeply disappointed" that the Army Corps of Engineers seems to be disregarding concerns Minnesota has raised about the project. He says it's essential that the Corps respect Minnesota's permit process and not prematurely begin construction.

Fargo, North Dakota, Mayor Tim Mahoney issued a statement Tuesday says his city is working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to address its concerns and respect Dayton's timeline.

The $2.1 billion diversion project would protect the Fargo-Moorhead area but would increase the flood risk for some areas upstream.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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