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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Valley City voters overwhelmingly approved of a measure to use ½ cent of the city sales tax monies used for economic development to fund permanent flood protection. The measure passed by 65 percent.

Flood Task Force Chairman and Valley City commissioner Matt Pedersen says this vote provides future protection for the city.

Valley City Mayor Bob Werkhoven says permanent flood protection is needed following the events of 2009 and again in 2011.

Valley City Commissioner Mary Lee Nielson says this is fair way to pay for flood protection.

On Thursday, the city opened three sealed bids for construction on the first phase of the flood protection project.

The lowest bid was $11.5 million submitted by Swanberg construction. Two other companies Wanzek construction and Industrial Builders Inc. submitted bids but they were higher.

A final decision on approving a construction bid will come later this year.