| Summary: | 526 NORTH DAKOTA CENTENNIAL BLUE BOOK Streambank erosion results in the loss of valuable real estate, and contributes to sedimentation. Ground water contamination, although not widespread, has resulted from industrial sources, agricultural chemicals, and naturally occurring sources. A controversy exists regarding wetland preservation versus agricultural drainage. The state lacks a distribution system to move good quality water from the Missouri River to other areas of t h e state for various purposes. The Missouri River is virtually an untapped resource presenting an outstanding opportunity for development and use in the state's future. The state will be severely challenged in the years ahead to provide sufficient revenue to implement fully all the projects and programs required to manage and develop the state's water resources. A growing concern is t h e issue of state versus federal control of t h e use and management of North Dakota's water resources. Of international significance is the Canadian concern regarding the potential interbasin transfer of Missouri River water and undesirable biota into the Hudson Bay drainage system via the Garrison Diversion Project. Projects and Programs Many water management projects and programs are currently underway in the state. Among these are the following four major projects: A. Garrison Diversion Project The Garrison Diversion Project is a major water development project diverting and distributing good quality Missouri River water to satisfy some of the water needs of the state's residents. Total cost of the project is estimated at $ 1.1 billion. Total project funding has yet to be appropriated by the federal government. Major project features include: • Missouri River water entering the Hudson Bay drainage system must be treated to avoid the transfer of undesirable biota transfer to Canada. • Water from Lake Sakakawea will provide for 130,000 acres of irrigation within the Missouri and James River Basins. • Municipal, rural, and industrial water delivery systems, utilitizing Missouri River water or ground water, will be developed with a $ 200 million federal grant. Studies have identified 113 cities that could be provided with a new water source or treatment plant resulting in a better water supply. • Measures are provided to compensate for the adverse impacts of project features to fish and wildlife, and also to enhance recreation.
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