A proposed diversion project for Fargo-Moorhead would flood several small communities and thousands of acres of farm land. An estimated 1,000 people would be relocated to make room for a large area to hold water during a flood. Since this area will be flooded, no one who lives on it will be able to sell their land, or their house. They will all be stuck and homeless, and many of them will lose their source of income.
This also means that historic farms dating back to the 1850s will be under water. Many acres of North Dakota's best farmland will be destroyed. Not only that, but some historic cemetaries will also be destroyed - including graves that date back to the early 1800s.
If Congress authorizes and funds the $1.7 billion project, construction would start in 2013 and last about eight years.
Sign this petition to tell Congress to not fund the Fargo Diversion!
We the Undersigned have given our names because we do not believe that the Fargo Diversion is moral. We are speaking up on the behalf of the people who will really be affected by this diversion - the people who will end up homeless because of it. We hope that you will understand that if this diversion happens these people's human rights will be violated.
The homes of these people won't be the only thing affected, we also have to think about the 100- to 150-year-old homesteads that will be destroyed. The cemeteries with graves dating back to the 1800s will simply wash away. These vital pieces of your state's history will be washed away if this diversion happens.
The other thing that will disappear is some of the best land in North Dakota. A chunk of North Dakota's second main source of individual income down the drain.
I hope you will feel our concern for the well being of these people, or should I say the people you represent.
We thank you for taking your time to read our letter.
