Loved ones fear consequences of diverting Fargo-area floodwaters to rural cemetery sites

WILD RICE, N.D. – Residents opposed to a proposed Red River diversion project that would flood areas south of Fargo, North Dakota, in times of high water say they’re worried about the impact on cemeteries in the area.

The 36-mile diversion would move water from the north-flowing Red River around Fargo and neighbouring Moorhead, Minnesota, which battled major flooding for three straight years starting with a record crest in 2009.

A holding pond that would be used in times of serious flooding threatens half a dozen cemeteries. Measures proposed to spare the cemeteries, including moving graves or building dikes around the sites, aren’t sitting well with family members.

Red River Diversion Authority chairman Darrell Vanyo says he realizes the negative impacts from the diversion, but says many other cemeteries would benefit from the project.