03.27.2009 Fargo City Press Conference notes:

Red River level steady at 40.66 feet last couple hours. All levees built to 43 feet. NWS saying there is significant water south of Fargo. Mayor Walaker said lots of water in the Wild Rice. Crest hopefully in the next 24 hours but could continue for a week or longer. More precipitation in the forecast could continue to create problems.

Voluntary evacuation on the river side of contingency dikes.

Evacuees report to the staging area at Red River Valley Fairgrounds. Will be checked in and transported to shelters in Casselton area. Individuals with special needs will go to shelters in West Fargo.

Over three million sandbags have been produced. Sandbagging scheduled to shut down at 6pm tonight.

Good progress on the main dikes. Containment dikes will be done today as well.

Driving restrictions may be lifted after 6pm north of 32nd Avenue South. If events change, road closures could go back in to effect immediately.

National Guard is patrolling dikes. Goal is to site visit dikes every two hours, allowing for any issues to be addressed quickly.

Dike Monitoring: three fold process, City Engineering has a designated engineer for each neighborhood. Call 241-1545 if you see something with a dike. 58 two-person teams will be assigned to the neighborhoods and dike systems on a priority basis. Most critical spots on the levee will be visited every 15 - 30 minutes. If you see leakage and think something is wrong call the engineering office! If there is serious leakage or signs of a breach, call 911 and the fire department will be dispatched.

Stockpiles of clay and heavy equipment strategically placed around town to allow quick response if need arises. Goal: 300,000 sandbags in reserve in warm garages to back up the quick response teams, placed strategically around Fargo by 6pm tonight.

Governor Hoeven again stated not to worry about making up missed school days.

The Mayor reinforced that at this time, we do not need to be concerned about the waste water and storm sewers.

Voluntary evacuations in place for anyone between a primary levee and contingency dike.