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CITY, N.D. – (NewsDakota.com) Valley City officials are seeking public input concerning permanent flood protection options from residents who live in neighborhoods along the Sheyenne River in Valley City.

KLJ Engineer Eric Gilbertson told residents at the first meeting last night that they have three options to choose from: Do nothing, clay levees or build flood walls.

All residents are given a piece of paper for their name and address, a few lines to write a comment and to check off if the prefer one of three options: Do Nothing, Clay Levee or Floodwall. The final question asks residents if they would be open to a buyout if required by the project?

During the first meeting on January 14th City Administrator David Schelkoph told the audience what the cost to fight the flood of 2009 was slightly more than $4 million. He said every event like that sets the city back economically so it’s important for the city to find a permanent fix.

City Commissioner Mary Lee Nielson defended the city’s decision to start the project protecting the VCSU campus.

The next neighborhood flood control meeting for residents who live south of the hospital bridge to the powerhouse will be on Thursday, January 21 inside the Valley City Eagles Club at 7pm.

After the final meeting on February 4th KLJ will submit a recommendation to the city in March on the proposed plan for permanent flood protection for the city of Valley City.

Other neighborhood flood control meetings are posted on our website NewsDakota.com