Ramsey County prepares for June 11 emergency drain hearing as residents urged to attend

County staff told commissioners that Ramsey County joined five townships in applying to the North Dakota Department of Water Resources for an emergency drain intended to move water from the Bartlett area toward Stump Lake. The department agreed to hold an emergency hearing on the drain application on June 11 in Bismarck; the meeting will be live-streamed and the county will host concurrent public comment via its joint board meeting for those who cannot travel.

A commissioner urged residents to attend in person if possible, saying it is much harder for officials to ignore concerns expressed face-to-face. County staff said they will request that department staff consider holding the meeting in Devil's Lake and will coordinate lodging or travel assistance if needed.