BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Gov. Jack Dalrymple said an engineering firm hired to complete a floodway study for Minot and Ward County has agreed to expedite the project as officials from the area work
to finalize a flood protection system.

Dalrymple says Barr Engineering Co. has agreed to provide the preliminary report by Nov. 3. This is about six weeks ahead of schedule.

The State Water Commission awarded the floodway design project to the company Wednesday. The commission approved $750,000 in funding for the project's initial phase.

Dalrymple, chairman of the nine-member commission, said in a news release that the timing of the work is critical because the information will help residents make decisions about their property.