[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 16 (Friday, January 26, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S1239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CONRAD (for himself and Mr. Dorgan):
  S. 410. A bill to amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 
to direct the Secretary of the Army to provide assistance to design and 
construct a project to provide a continued safe and reliable municipal 
water supply system for Devils Lake, North Dakota; to the Committee on 
Environment and Public Works.
  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation to 
authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct a new municipal 
water supply system for the city of Devils Lake, ND. This project is 
very important to the reliability of the water supply for the residents 
of Devils Lake and is needed to mitigate long-term consequences from 
the rising flood waters of Devils Lake.
  As many of my colleagues know, the Devils Lake region has been 
plagued by a flooding disaster since 1993. During that time, Devils 
Lake, a closed basin lake, has risen more than 25 feet, consuming land, 
destroying homes, and impacting vital infrastructure. As a result of 
this disaster, the city of Devils Lake faces a significant risk of 
losing its water supply. Currently, 6 miles or approximately one-third 
of the city's 40-year-old water transmission line is covered by the 
rising waters of Devils Lake. The submerged section of the water line 
includes numerous gate valves, air relief valves, and blow-off 
discharges.
  All of the water for the city's residents and businesses must flow 
through this single transmission line. It is also the only link between 
the water source and the city's water distribution system. Since the 
transmission line is operated under relatively low pressures and is 
under considerable depths of water, a minor leak could cause 
significant problems. If a failure in the line were to occur, it would 
be almost impossible to identify the leak and make necessary repairs, 
and the city would be left without a water supply.
  The city is in the process of accessing a new water source due both 
to the threat of a transmission line failure and the fact that its 
current water source exceeds the new arsenic standard. The city has 
worked closely with the North Dakota State Water Commission in 
identifying a new water source that will not be affected by the rising 
flood waters and will provide the city with adequate water to meet its 
current and future needs.
  The bill will authorize the Corps to construct a new water supply 
system for the city. Mr. President, I believe the Federal Government 
has a responsibility to address the unintended consequences of this 
flood and mitigate its long-term consequences. This bill will help the 
Federal Government live up to its responsibility and ensure that the 
residents of Devils Lake have a safe and reliable water supply. It is 
my hope that this authorization will be included as part of the Water 
Resources Development Act.
  I ask my colleagues to support this legislation to address an 
important issue for the city of Devils Lake.
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