News Releases for January 2009
January 16, 2009
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Hoeven: Record Of Decision Important Step Forward For NAWS
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven said today that the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) project took an important step forward with the Bureau of Reclamation’s signing of the Record of Decision (ROD). Secretary of Interior Dick Kempthorne informed Governor Hoeven and the state’s congressional delegation today that he has authorized the ROD which approves the Preferred Alternative action to treat water drawn from Lake Sakakawea and then be supplied to residents and communities in north central and northwestern North Dakota.
“We’ve worked hard to secure the Record of Decision, and now we go back to the Federal District Court to get approval to move water from Lake Sakakawea through the NAWS system,” Hoeven said.
The Preferred Alternative combines the chemical disinfection treatment included in the No Action Alternative and ultraviolet disinfection of the water before it reaches Minot. The proposed action will treat project water from Lake Sakakawea to further reduce the risk of biological invasion into the Hudson Bay basin. The construction of the Preferred Alternative will cost approximately $17.5 million including contingencies and non-contract costs. The annual OM&R cost is estimated at approximately $306,000.
The NAWS project will bring fresh water from Lake Sakakawea to residents and businesses in North Dakota, including Minot, the Minot Air Force Base, and other communities and rural users throughout north central and northwestern North Dakota.
“Through this cost-efficient and environmentally sound plan, we can deliver safe, clean water to residents in north central and northwestern North Dakota,” said Hoeven.
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