Oxbow Residents Concerned About Construction

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 Many people in Oxbow are worried about their homes after a federal judge last month halted construction of a ring dike for the FM diversion.

The mayor of Oxbow tells us the status of the construction is unclear.
 
People in the community voiced their concerns and frustration with the work stoppage.
 
Many are wondering why work on the ring dike was stopped and why they need to wait for the Minnesota DNR’s report.

Oxbow mayor Jim Nyhof says it could take weeks to hear about what will happen next.
 
“We’re back in limbo, we don’t know what’s going on so it’s a problem and people are scared and concerned,” said Oxbow Mayor Jim Nyhof.
 
The Minnesota DNR is conducting an environmental analysis of the Oxbow, Hickson, Bakke ring dike.

The DNR is expected to issue a draft environmental assessment in August.

Some who came to the meeting say they’re interested in a letter writing campaign to state lawmakers to get the work started again.
 
“You know we have to proceed cautiously and you know, we’re going to take care of people we’ve made promises to and hold off until we have a final interpretation for everybody else,” said Mayor Nyhof.
 
Mayor Nyhof also says it’s time for Oxbow to be heard, he says he’s also scheduled meetings with several North Dakota leaders.