The RM of Portage is set to partner with the RM of North Norfolk and the Whitemud Watershed Association to cost-share a feasibility study for the Rat Creek Diversion.

It would move water from the creek toward Lake Manitoba, bypassing MacDonald.

The municipalities would contribute $5000.00 each, while $10,000.00 comes from Whitemud. The project itself was estimated at three million in 2005.

Reeve Jim Knight realizes that figure is a year old, but points out they're looking at working south of the railway tracks instead of north. At the same time, he expects it will be a costly project.

Knight says the diversion will spare MacDonald from flooding in spring and summer.

The province isn't included in the feasibility study, which doesn't bother the reeve. He notes the province will share in the construction costs.