Starting with this issue of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP) newsletter, we’ll be introducing you to the people who are working on this project to make it a success. In our first spotlight you’ll meet Kip Kovar, the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District Engineer, who also serves as the Deputy Program Manager for RRVWSP Engineering. Kip started his career with Garrison Diversion in 2001 after graduating from UND in December 2000 with an engineering degree.
As the Deputy Program Manager for RRVWP Engineering, Kip oversees the project’s engineering, right-of-way/easement efforts, and construction. Right now he is focused on moving portions of the project to final design, as well as planning and preparing to start construction in the spring of 2019. “I’m proud of the work we’ve completed with our project partners so far. It’s been a successful team effort and I’m excited to see that continue throughout the project,” he says.
When asked what is one thing about the project that he wishes everyone knew, Kip says he wishes everyone was aware of just how close North Dakota is to having a drought every year. When it is complete, the RRVWSP will provide a supplemental water source to nearly half the population of North Dakota to mitigate the effects of drought.
Kip has been married to his wife, Jozie, since 2006. The couple has three kids: Kael, 12; Kendall, 10; and Kullen, 4. The family recently added a black lab puppy. The Kovar family loves to fish and spend time at the lake. Kip is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, training dogs, and going on backpack archery hunts.