Climate change, industry, parks, air and water quality are issues that are debated in congress, compete for funding and enpassion many Minnesotans.
April 18, 1997 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on a stressful week for residents of Southwest Fargo, where homes in the 500-year floodplain are threatened by rising water. Most of these homes are far from the Red River, and residents never imagined they'd be scrambling to protect their homes from overland flooding.
April 18, 1997 - Flooding situation update (East Grank Forks?), invu w/Major Shields of National Guard Major Shields - 2:37 / JR / ATC
April 18, 1997 - MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Grand Forks police official Byron Sieber about flooding in the town and a mandatory evacuation order.
April 21, 1997 - MPR’s Dan Gunderson reports on the major impact Red River flooding has had on Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Red River will crest today in Grand Forks at 54 feet - more than double its normal depth. The flood has forced the evacuation of Grand Forks and the city across the river, East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Over the weekend, there was also a big fire in Grand Forks. Fire trucks couldn't get to it, so helicopters dumped buckets of floodwater on the fire.
April 22, 1997 - State and local public health officials are offering reassurances about potential infectious disease risks to residents of flood-stricken areas. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports: Many residents of flood stricken regions are worried they're being exposed to infectious disease in the flood...but state health department spokesman, Buddy Ferguson says their fears are unfounded. BITE: He says in this bite, often people think that in the case of fires and floods,then surely pestilence must follow...however...that is NOT the case! Ferguson says skin contact with flood water will not lead to to giardia or hepatitus A...two health hazards linked to contaminated water.
April 23, 1997 - Two weeks ago, we brought you the story of Harwood, North Dakota, a town of 6-hundred near Fargo. They built a dike around their entire town. About two-thirds of the residents left, and the rest stayed behind to wait out the waters. Now Harwood is opening some of its empty homes to Grand Forks flood victims. Janet Mack is answering phones at the flood center in Harwood, and trying to match refugees with housing: Janet Mack of Harwood, North Dakota. Sun 28-MAY 19:47:24 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
April 23, 1997 - The plight of the people in Grand Forks and East Grand forks has held media attention rivited for the last week. The struggles faced by the people upriver in Fargo have melted from the tv screens.... but the stuggles still go on. The Reverend Craig Hanson has been sharing his thoughts with us from his home on the banks of the Red River. Here is the latest installment of his flood diary. Reverend Craig Hanson lives on the banks of the Red River in Fargo. One hopeful note we should add.... Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Gunderson reports that as he was leaving from the Hanson's today.... a duck was spotted standing atop the neighbor's shed. Sun 28-MAY 19:47:29 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
April 23, 1997 - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman... who travelled to the Red River Valley with the President says flood-stricken farmers are eligible for a variety of crop loans and other assistance. Spring planting could begin this week in some parts of Minnesota, North and South Dakota. But in other areas there is still snow or standing water and it's doubtful some crops can even be planted this year. Farmers and ag officials say so-called "Freedom to Farm" legislation passed in 1996 is both a blessing and a curse to farmers facing disaster from blizzards and flooding. Minnesota Public Radio's Cara Hetland reports: The 1996 Farm Bill aimed to encourage more independence for farmers but it
April 23, 1997 - The House Budget committee takes up the flood relief bill tomorrow. In Grand Forks yesterday, President Clinton expressed confidence that Congress would approve the extra 200-million he's requesting for aid to Minnesota and the Dakotas. That would bring the total federal package to 488-million dollars for the area. Governor Carlson, and State emergency director Jim Franklin head to Washington to lobby for the aid. 5th District Minnesota Congressman Martin Sabo is Minnesota's only member of the Appropriations committee. He expects other members will approve Clinton's request. Fifth District Congressman Martin Sabo, Minnesota's representative on the House Appropriations Committee.
April 23, 1997 - The first area of Grand Forks to be flooded was the Lincoln Park area bordering the Red River, where floodwater gushed over dikes and literally forced homes off their foundations. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum talked to three people from the Lincoln Park neighborhood, and has their stories... Pat Moen knows her home is ruined - she says she "used to live" at 501 Lincoln Drive. She hasn't been back since she was forced to evacuate last week, bu