John Hoeven

I appreciate this opportunity to discuss the operation of the Devils Lake Outlet and its importance--not just to the community of Devils Lake and the Devils Lake area, but also to downstream interests.

It is absolutely vital. You know, you mention some of these new formations. The oil is not connected.

Our Nation is facing one of the worst economic downturns in decades.

Work together to identify means of removing additional water from Devils Lake to reduced flood damages.

Upgrade of existing drain to address continue [sic] lake rise.

The debt has already doubled over the previous 8 years. It is scheduled to double again, rising to more than 100 percent of the gross domestic product of the United States.

There is an economic cost to that.

North Dakota benefited greatly from the last highway bill, which was completed in 2005.

We would have been better off putting more money into infrastructure.

Highway 85, as I indicated earlier, is a key lifeline, not just for this community, but, really, for the national effort to reduce our dependence on foreign energy.

I argued strenuously for $200 billion of infrastructure.

I intend to continue to work at the Federal level to bring resources to address the needs here in North Dakota.

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

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