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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A proposal to build an outlet to lower Hobart Lake took a step forward on June 28th after the Barnes County Water Resource District Board unanimously approved of the plan during a special meeting.

Board Chairman Jerry Hieb said the outlet would lower water on a farmer’s land and for a homeowner and a nearby elevator who have had to deal with high water issues for several summers.

Most of the affected landowners have signed easement, including one yesterday and another is pending. But, Keith Colville has not. He doesn’t like those forever easements even though he supports the project.

If Colville doesn’t sign off the board can exercise the option of eminent domain. Meanwhile, Columbia Grain elevator manager Darren Bjornson supports the plan.

Barnes County Water Resource District attorney Sean Fredricks said in order to use FEMA funding, perpetual easements are required.

Barnes County Water Resource District Board member Bruce Anderson said the board has compromised a lot with Keith Colville and his proposals made to the board.

Under the proposal, 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 drier spring and summer.

Barry Borg has 100 acres of land under water and pays taxes on the property. He told the board why he no longer supports the project.

A few people have concerns due to nesting sites of rare migratory birds around Hobart Lake. Last year, the Barnes County Commission approved of a letter of support to use FEMA funding for the $800,000 project.