the levee option would then represent the only option that would meet the Federal cost-benefit ratio test.

Although the waters have receded, concern about flooding in the Red River Valley is still at the high water mark.

We will go with September, sir.

Yes, Wahpeton-Breckenridge is in a different situation because that is an established project that is--the proposition is correct that there was not adequate funding for Breckenridge for a while.

I want to express our desire, on behalf of the State of North Dakota, to move the process forward.

We are providing that funding, and we will continue to do that.

From my standpoint, I think that has merit, to the extent that there is then a consensus developed on the more comprehensive project against which this contribution could count.

We need to cooperate.

We have before us a historic opportunity and an obligation to future generations to work together as communities to solve this daunting, but solvable problem.

We are not able to ask every question in this circumstance, but we appreciate the cooperation of the witnesses.

That is why we solicited them to go ahead with this comprehensive study.

Permanent flood protection for the Fargo Moorhead metropolitan area is critical.

The only one that would meet a test and go forward would be the levee option?

We must recognize the tremendous risk and cost associated with every year that passes without protection in place.

Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan announced last week that they have successfully secured emergency funding to shore up roads in the Devils Lake basin.

The funding announced today is in addition to the $42 million in Federal assistance the delegation announced on April 30.

Tribes ceded close to 200 million acres of land during the treaty-making and removal periods prior to 1881.

Tribes ceded close to 200 million acres of land during the treaty-making and removal periods prior to 1881.