Hoeven Calls On Corps To Gather Broad Input On Land Transfer

Hoeven Calls On Corps To Gather Broad Input On Land Transfer

Gov. John Hoeven today urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to seek broad input from citizens regarding a transfer of land with the Fort Berthold Reservation from the Corps to the Department of the Interior.

"Now that the Corps has determined that it has the authority to make such a transfer, it is imperative that all interested North Dakotans have an opportunity to provide timely and meaningful input into the process," Hoeven wrote in a letter to Larry Janis, cultural resources program manager at the Omaha District Office of the Corps. "In addition to the contemplated public hearings, in Bismarck, Dickinson, New Town and Williston, I strongly suggest you conduct hearings in Garrison and Beulah-Hazen, as well."

Hoeven told Janis further that the Governor's office has been "contacted by a number of citizens who have voiced concerns about access to both public and private lands, and the proposed land use of areas that border long-time residential and recreational areas."

"It is important that these concerns are conveyed to you and adequately considered as part of the record before any action is taken with regard to the proposed transfer of lands."

http://www.governor.state.nd.us/media/news-releases/2005/04/050427.html