09.24.19

Hoeven Statement on Reclamation Conducting Critical Step for Eastern ND Water Supply Project

EIS Follows 20 CFS Contract Senator Helped Advance

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement after the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) announced that it will conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply (ENDAWS) Project, which would allow for additional water to be released from Garrison Diversion facilities to serve as an alternate water source for the Red River Valley and Central North Dakota Water Supply projects. 

Hoeven has worked both as governor and U.S. Senator to advance water infrastructure projects for North Dakota, including an initial contract for 20 cubic feet per second (CFS) from the Missouri River to benefit water supplies in the central and eastern parts of the state. The EIS will help advance an additional contract to bring the total water allowed from the Garrison Diversion up to 165 CFS.

“While we often face flooding throughout our state, our farmers, ranchers and communities still remember the challenges of drought, and ground and surface water won’t be sufficient to meet local needs,” Hoeven said. “That’s why we’ve worked to advance the ENDAWS Project, which help ensure an affordable and reliable water supply for half of North Dakota’s population. We welcome the start of this critical step in approving the contract with the Garrison Diversion and will continue our efforts to see it approved.”

-###-