In a unanimous Nov. 4 vote, the Stutsman County Commission authorized a $41,000 feasibility study to explore moving seasonal or high water away from areas south of Cleveland and into Beaver Creek near Montpelier. The study is intended to map possible routes, identify environmental constraints and produce preliminary cost and cost–benefit analyses to guide future decisions that could affect roads, private property and agricultural lands across the county.

The commission authorized using Interstate Engineering for portions of the work; the firm may perform up to $10,000 in hourly work while county staff complete remaining tasks. Phase one of the project will map alternatives, analyze water areas and wetlands, assess easements and historic sites, and prepare preliminary cost and cost–benefit information for commissioners to consider.

Local officials framed the study as a response to recurring infrastructure damage. Commissioner Mike Hansen said not solving the problem keeps raising roadbed costs for taxpayers. By identifying feasible routes and financial implications, the county seeks to weigh whether construction or mitigation measures could reduce long-term maintenance and emergency repair expenses borne by residents.

The study's environmental scope — including wetlands and historic site evaluations — signals that any future project would require careful permitting and community consultation. Commissioners noted that easement negotiations and impacts to federally or state-protected areas could shape design options and timelines, though no construction decisions were made at the meeting.

In related business, the commission authorized advertising five staggered positions on the county Water Resource Board after the auditor noted state law specifies three-year terms. The county will accept applications through Dec. 12, with appointments planned for Dec. 16 and terms set to begin Jan. 1. Filling those seats will influence local oversight of water projects, drainage issues and conservation priorities tied to the feasibility study and other county programs.

The commission also approved a letter urging Gov. Kelly Armstrong to assist in protecting the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown amid reported federal staffing reductions. The letter cites the center’s conservation role and community impact; commissioners expressed concern that staffing cuts could impair research, habitat management and outreach efforts that benefit local economies and wildlife stewardship.

Taken together, the actions reflect the county’s effort to balance infrastructure protection, environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility. Next steps will focus on completing the phase-one study work, reviewing its findings, recruiting Water Resource Board members, and monitoring federal decisions that could affect the Jamestown research facility.