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N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s State Water Commission has approved about .3 million to begin engineering work on a million project to protect Valley City, Lisbon and Fort Ransom from Sheyenne River flooding.

The Sheyenne River Valley Flood Control Project will use a combination of property buyouts, floodwalls and levees to safeguard the cities. The state Legislature earlier this year approved $21 million for the effort. The cities also will contribute.

The state is making an exception to its practice of helping with construction costs but requiring local entities to cover engineering costs for such projects. Gov. Jack Dalrymple says a distinction must be made because outlets that drain Devils Lake floodwaters into the Sheyenne are increasing the flood risk for the three cities.