Join the discussion on the following article:
Work to raise North Dakota Amtrak route could begin in spring
Great news in the long term of course. But does this mean a summer of “bustitutions”?
So make the lake drain into a river, by any means necessary; its’s not rocket science!! Say, what about the “Army Corp of Engineers”? Opps, did I really say that, my bad!!!
If the line is not truly economically justifiable, why waste the money on it? Is this another case of wasting government as well as the BNSF’s money. Since Warren Buffet has been snookered into the Obamunist’s camp, I guess he is happy to waste the company’s money on the project.
If this route is updated, it could be a direct route for some of the ND crude oil to lake Superior, and tankers. bit
If this route is up graded, it could be a direct route to Lake Superior for crude oil, coal, and grain, but then BNSF wouldn’t run lots of 100 car tank trains to the south for refining.
Draining into the James River, Brad is too simple! I’m assuming you’re more familiar with the topography there than I am. Unless there are other problems that you’re not aware of IF draining would be considered. As I said, all to often I’ve heard of an idea that seemed logical. Our government doesn’t always seek quick, easy fixes! Speaking of saving money! Simple: Cut Amtrak!
i think all you non dakotans are missing the geographical boat on this. the james river has the sheyenne river between it and devils lake. north dakota is not all flat and the areas between the james the sheyenne and devils lake are not flat at all, there is even an old ski hill. the sheyenne drains through towns with about 75% of the population of north dakota and then heads to canada. can you spell STATE DEPARTMENT canada has not wanted the drainage of any of this water to be accelerated. the corp is working as we speak on a drain plan that includes a "control structure"on the tolna coulee, the natural drain at elevation 1458. lake today is about 1454 and the control structure is to be 1460 so there is more water coming. the fishing is great but with only “the builder” each day and the occasional sand or grain train the train watching is slow.
Draining the lake is harder than it sounds. After centuries of taking in runoff and losing it through evaporation only, the salinity of the lake is elevated to the point where too much lake water would potentially harm the ecology of the Sheyenne River and even pose a possible threat to drinking water supplies for several downstream communities.