BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – Backers of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project are pushing plans to speed up the timeline for the project.

It will bring Missouri River Water to the Valley – and other areas of central and eastern North Dakota — in times of drought.

The supporters want to build out the project in six years, instead of ten.

Merri Mooridian is the administrative officer and project manager, and is employed by the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District and she told the Legislature’s Water Topics Overview Committee:

Conservancy District Chairman Duane DeKrey said this would also add certainty to the timeline for the project – and that would also help with the cost.

DeKrey says inflation would likely add $20 million to $30 million per biennium in inflation.