Bill Bohnsack joined the Lake Agassiz Water Authority (LAWA) Board of Directors in 2019 to represent the City of Mayville. As a retired Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Science teacher for the Mayport-Portland School District, as well as operating the municipal swimming pool, Bill has a strong understanding of the science behind water projects. That knowledge comes in handy as a LAWA Director when discussing the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP).

“A lot of people on the eastern side of the state don’t realize the progress that has been made on the project because the construction is happening near Carrington right now. And since the pipes are buried underground, it’s not as easy to see as something like the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion as it’s being constructed,” says Bill. “Other states are interested in getting water from the Missouri River. I am glad the project is already underway, so North Dakota can access its share of the water.”

The City of Mayville signed a Memorandum of Commitment in 2024 to join the RRVWSP. “The Red River Valley Water Supply Project will provide Mayville with a backup water supply as well water for future industrial use,” explains Bill.

Beyond being part of a historic drought mitigation project, Bill says his time on the LAWA Board has been a great experience because it has allowed him to get to know the other Directors on the Board. “Being able to talk with the other members and hear what is going on in their cities has been interesting. It has been valuable for me to understand the challenges and successes other cities are experiencing.”