Date: January 31, 2017
Agency: Morton County Sheriff's Department
Contact: Morton County PIO (701) 426-1587 or (701) 595-3596
Video Link: https://youtu.be/t2jX7lvvDEk
Mandan, N.D. – Today, the ND Department of Transportation (DOT), upon the request of the Morton County Sheriff’s Department, removed the top layer of jersey barriers from the Backwater Bridge in a good faith effort in response to work done by the protest camp to clean up and clear out.
“Since we are seeing positive movement from the main camp with cleanup efforts and protesters moving out in preparation for potential spring flooding, I ordered the removal of some jersey barriers as a way to move toward a peaceful resolution,” said Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier. “The camp needs to be completely cleared before any flooding occurs and rule of law needs to be maintained in the area. If protesters can continue to stay off the bridge, refrain from any criminal activity, and focus on cleanup efforts, we will continue our phased approach to reopen Highway 1806 which includes bringing in DOT to repair the bridge.”
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