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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A plan to build an outlet on Hobart Lake took one more step forward yesterday after the Barnes County Water Resource District Board unanimously approved of hiring Excavation Services of Jamestown to do the construction work.

Mike Opat of Moore Engineering said the construction bid approved was nearly $200,000 lower than their original estimate.

Most of the affected landowners signed easements, except Keith Colville who said he doesn’t’ like the idea of signing a forever easement. Last month, the board exercised eminent domain against Colville. He told KOVC he’s exploring all of his legal options.

Attorney Sean Fredricks represents the Barnes County Water Resource District. He told the board they will have to extend their two year permit with this project.

Chairman Jerry Hieb said the purpose of the outlet is to lower Hobart Lake to an elevation of 1414 feet to help landowners and a nearby elevator who have dealt with high water issues in the past.

Under the plan, a 24 inch pipe would be buried for three quarters of a mile with another half-a-mile of channel improvements to drain water into the Sheyenne River.

In the past, some township roads have been raised more than once. But this year, the water level has dropped due to a dry spring and summer.

The full discussion of the item during the Barnes County Water Resource board meeting on August 14th is available below.