Garrison Diversion Conservancy District (Garrison Diversion) awarded two construction contracts this fall for about 20 miles of pipeline for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP) pipeline. Construction of the Transmission Pipe East 5C and 5D contracts are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024.
Oscar Renda Contracting received the $76,663,355 5C contract to construct approximately eight miles of 72-inch diameter water pipeline and three major trenchless crossings east of Carrington, in Foster County. The trenchless crossings will be located at the James River, Kelly Creek, and an interstate gas pipeline. The company is based out of Grapevine, Texas and has experience constructing other major water transmission projects throughout North America.
Carstensen Contracting out of Del Rapids, South Dakota was awarded the $61,677,275 5D contract. The 5D work plan includes construction of 10 miles of 72-inch pipe and a trenchless crossing of Pipestem Creek in eastern Wells County and western Foster County. The company has completed similar pipeline work in northwest North Dakota and central South Dakota.
Construction wrapped up for the 2023 season in late November. While an early heavy snowfall created wet and frozen conditions, an eventual warm-up and mild fall enabled the continuation of construction activity. Garney Construction will complete the remaining 3.5 miles of construction east of Carrington on the 5B contract during the 2024 construction season.
The RRVWSP’s 2023-2025 biennium budget totals $244 million and consists of $180 million from the State of North Dakota, $61 million from the local users and $3 million from the Municipal Rural and Industrial (MR&I) Program. Garrison Diversion and Lake Agassiz Water Authority (LAWA), have identified the following priorities for the RRVWSP this biennium:
- Install 27 miles of pipeline
- Design 52 miles of pipeline
- Complete preliminary designs of McClusky Canal intake, McClusky Canal pumping station, biota water treatment plant, and hydraulic break tanks
- Secure remaining easements
- Provide financial planning support
- Provide support and/or studies for RRVWSP end users
When the pipeline is complete, 125 miles of buried pipe will span from the McClusky Canal to the discharge structure, which empties into the Sheyenne River, located about six miles south of Cooperstown. The RRVWSP is projected to serve nearly half of North Dakota’s population, from the central part of the state to the eastern side.
