A vocal proponent of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP) recently joined the Lake Agassiz Water Authority (LAWA) Board of Directors. West Fargo Commission President Bernie Dardis is currently in his second term as the City’s highest elected official. In early 2023, he became an Associate Member of the LAWA Board.
“I began attending LAWA board meetings five years ago and have yet to miss one. I have been very active in advocating to the state legislature for water resource funding. This session I, along with the Mayors of Fargo, Grand Forks, Horace, and Valley City spent time in Bismarck to ask for an allocation to the Red River Valley Water Supply Project for our communities, and for the 26 other communities along the route that will also benefit from this quality water resource,” says Bernie. “I am passionate about the role water resources plays in our communities and it is important to be a champion for the success of water resource projects.”
The supplemental and emergency water supply provided by the RRVWSP will have a major impact on the economic development opportunities of the region. “As West Fargo looks to continue to develop commercially, it is imperative that we can provide water for the operations of our primary sector, manufacturing, and other industrial businesses,” he explains.
The City of West Fargo partnered with the City of Fargo for drinking water several years ago, which means both cities have a vested interest in the RRVWSP. Fargo and West Fargo, along with the other end users of the RRVWSP, recognize a sustainable water supply is critical to the continued growth of communities and the quality of life of residents.
In addition to leading North Dakota’s fastest growing city and advocating for water resources at the State’s Capitol, Bernie says public service has always been important to him personally and professionally. “I volunteer with organizations including the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion Board of Authority, Salvation Army Board of Directors, Fueling our Future Governance Board, and the West Fargo Events Board of Directors,” says Bernie. He is also involved with the West Fargo Exchange Club and Boy Scouts of America, and a longtime proud supporter of the NSDU Bison as a trustee of the NDSU Alumni Foundation.
Bernie and his wife, Louise, have been married for 47 years. The couple has two sons and four grandsons to carry on the Dardis name and hopefully positively impact their communities as much Bernie and Louise have done.