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City, N.D. – Valley City, Fort Ransom and Lisbon city leaders continue to make their case to state lawmakers for permanent flood protection along the Sheyenne River following 3 years of high water and flood fighting.

Valley City Flood Task Force Chairman Matt Pedersen says the committee will work to take several buyout proposals under consideration and submit a plan to state lawmakers during the up coming special session next month.

He says $38 million was spent to save the city in two major flood fights. Pedersen says spending millions now using federal, state and local monies would save more time and money in the long run.

Pedersen says fewer sandbags will be needed if vulnerable areas of the Valley City are bought out for flood protection.

Some 33 structures in 9 areas of the city are in the priority one area of the buyout. 75 percent of the cost, nearly $4 million, will have to come from federal and state funds.

City officials have had meetings with Governor Dalrymple and the state water commission to see if the state can cut a portion of the local share, 25 percent, for Valley City.  

Pedersen say officials estimate $300 million or more in damages to Valley City if the city suffers a Minot or Grand Forks type of flood disaster.