03.06.13

Hoeven Meets with Saskatchewan Premier Wall to Discuss Spring Flood Protection for Souris River Basin

Leaders Also Discuss Importance of Keystone XL for Canadian, US Relations

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today met with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall to discuss forecasting and preparation efforts to help prevent possible spring flooding in the Souris River Basin. Hoeven and Wall also focused on additional ways the United States and Canada, and specifically North Dakota and Saskatchewan, can work together on important projects like approving the Keystone XL pipeline.

“We are working with Canadian officials to develop a thorough flood protection strategy for the Souris River Basin,” said Hoeven. “We are committed to working with Premier Wall and Canadian authorities to prevent flooding this spring while also strengthening our flood protection efforts and improving long term flood management on both sides of the border.”

During the meeting, Premier Wall said that Saskatchewan authorities are carefully monitoring water levels and are working closely with U.S. officials to ensure there is ample storage in the reservoirs and thorough management of dams.

Forecasters have been carefully managing the Souris River Basin and are expected to release formal assessments sometime this month. While a definitive forecast regarding potential Souris River Basin flooding has yet to be released, a February outlook issued by the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency showed the chance for an above normal spring runoff. Senator Hoeven emphasized to Premier Wall his concerns that Saskatchewan undertake all necessary preparations and flood prevention efforts.

Hoeven and Wall also discussed ongoing ways the U.S. and Canada can continue to strengthen ties, focusing on working to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. The pipeline would transport more than 830,000 barrels of oil a day from, including 100,000 barrels of light sweet crude from North Dakota, Montana and Saskatchewan, to refineries in Texas and Louisiana, in turn, strengthening the relationship between the two countries as well as their economies and energy security.