Eds: APNewsNow.

Fargo, N.D. (AP) Cass County commissioners are supporting a diversion project on the North Dakota side of the Red River for flood protection.

The commissioners voted unanimously to support the idea Monday.

A member of the Cass County Joint Water Resource District Board, Tom Fischer, says a Minnesota diversion proposal has the best benefit-to-cost ratio based on figures from the Army Corps of Engineers. But he says that proposal also faces more resistance.

The city of Dilworth, Minn., has gone on record opposing a Minnesota diversion.

The Cass County resolution of support now goes to the Metropolitan Flood Management Committee, which is working to choose a flood protection plan by the end of the year.

The cost of a diversion project is estimated in a range of around $1 billion to more than $1.3 billion.

Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-03-09 1153CST | save this article / add to your favorites list