Duane DeKrey is the go-to expert on the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP) when organizations from across the country want information about the drought mitigation project. The General Manager of the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District (Garrison Diversion) travels frequently to present information to a wide variety of audiences about the RRVWSP.
In addition to overseeing the general operations of Garrison Diversion’s many initiatives, Duane provides oversight of the RRVWSP administration and engineering, ensures the project is moving forward, and coordinates with key legislators. “As a former North Dakota State Senator and Representative, I understand the importance of maintaining relationships with legislators and keeping an open line of communication with them,” he says.
“People are often surprised to hear that drought is an ongoing threat. But a drought like the one North Dakota experienced in the 1930s would have a devastating $25 billion impact to the state,” says Duane. “The North Dakota legislature recognizes the importance of having infrastructure to provide a supplemental water supply in place to protect our communities and economy. The state funding for the Red River Valley Water Supply is keeping the project moving forward.”
When he’s not managing Garrison Diversion or trying to save central and eastern North Dakota from a drought, Duane likes to hunt deer and fish. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Jan, and their three adult children. “I’m happy our kids chose to stay in their home state. I obviously think this is a great place to live and it’s great that our children agree,” he says with a laugh.