Background
In 1997, the Legislature urged formation of the Red River Basin Flood Damage Reduction WorkGroup (RRBFDRWG) to resolve gridlock over state/federal permitting of flood damage reduction projects in the Red River Valley. The resulting agreement was intended as the framework for a new, collaborative approach to implement both flood damage reduction and natural resource protection and enhancement in ways that benefit all Minnesota citizens. The keys to this new approach are comprehensive watershed planning, clearly identified goals, early consultation and collaboration on flood damage reduction projects among stakeholders, and a cooperative approach to project permitting. The purpose of the Mediation Agreement is: “To reach consensus agreements on long term solutions for reducing flood damage and for protection and enhancement of natural resources. Such agreements should balance important economic, environmental, and social considerations, and must provide for fair and effective procedures to resolve future conflicts related to flood damage reduction.” Since 1998, the BRRWD Mediation Project Team (PT) has met on a regular basis. The result of their work has been several multipurpose projects, incorporating both flood damage reduction and natural resource enhancement.
Meeting Minutes
