12.04.20

ND Delegation: ENDAWS Takes Important Step Forward with Final EIS

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Congressman Kelly Armstrong today praised the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) for finalizing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply (ENDAWS) Project.

“This project would provide an affordable, reliable water supply for eastern North Dakota, making good use of the McClusky Canal,” said Senator Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee. “Projects like this remain a key priority for ensuring North Dakotans’ quality of life. We appreciate Interior and BOR’s work with us on moving this project through the approval process, and we look forward to securing the Record of Decision needed to advance this important project.” 

“The Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project ensures our state has access to a safe, reliable source of water thanks to a strong relationship with responsive federal partners,” said Senator Cramer, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Water. “I’m grateful to Secretary Bernhardt and the Trump Administration for working with us, listening to North Dakotans’ input, and advancing projects like this that improve the quality of life for our constituents.”  

“The ENDAWS project will play a critical role in continuing to provide a reliable water supply for thousands of North Dakota’s residents,” said Congressman Armstrong. “We look forward to a Record of Decision on this project and appreciate Interior and BOR’s cooperation in advancing this priority for our state.”

The ENDAWS project 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. The Garrison Diversion estimates that the alternative water supply would reduce project costs by $200 million while also saving on operating costs by using the Snake Creek Pumping Station to pump water. The EIS will help advance an additional contract to bring the total water allowed from the Garrison Diversion up to 165 cubic feet per second (CFS).

Today’s announcement follows the delegation’s efforts to keep the EIS process on track in order to maintain the Garrison Diversion’s timeline for the project. During his visit to North Dakota last October, Senators Hoeven and Cramer secured a commitment from DOI Secretary David Bernhardt to keep this project on track. After a minimum wait of 30 days, BOR can issue a Record of Decision for the project, which will provide the required federal authorization for the state to construct the project’s infrastructure and facilities.

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