ST. PAUL -- Roseau needs $4.1 million to build two bridges so a flood-prevention diversion canal can be completed, the northwest Minnesota city's mayor told a House committee Tuesday.
Once state Highway 11 and Roseau County Road 24 bridges are done, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can finish work on the canal to prevent flooding such as occurred June 12, 2002, Mayor Jeff Pelowski said. Rep. Dave Olin, DFL-Thief River Falls, and Pelowski asked the House Capital Investment Committee to approve borrowing the money so flood-prevention measures can continue.
Olin said he has received no assurances House leaders will support the funding this year, but is optimistic when he looks at other proposals seeking money for sewage and water projects.
"This one should rate right up high," Olin said. "This project needs to get done."
The 2002 flood caused $120 million damage in Roseau, and up to $80 million has been spent on rebuilding - with $45 million of that fixing city infrastructure alone.
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Pelowski said the city's need is urgent because Congress probably will approve funding this year that would require state money, too. The bridges would take $11 million in state money and $14 million from Washington this year and next.
The mayor said state money is needed if the bridges are to be finished by 2010.
If lawmakers and Gov. Tim Pawlenty approve borrowing $4.1 million this year, the rest of the state money will be part of a Department of Natural Resources measure next year, Pelowski said.
Besides the two bridges over the canal to be built with state and federal funds, two others are to be constructed just with federal money.
The diversion is the final piece of Roseau's flood-protection plan. The city already has reworked storm sewer system; some of the 2002 flood came through the storm sewer.
Don Davis works for Forum Communications Co., which owns the Bemidji Pioneer.
