The price tag for the cost of police to fight the protesters is small in comparison to the cost of cleaning up an oil spill.
With the steady stream of protesters pouring into the area around the Dakota Access pipeline demonstration near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, state and county officials are asking North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple for financial assistance.
Native News Online reports that Governor Dalrmple issued an emergency declaration for southwest and south central North Dakota.
The GROWING crowd of protesters come and go as they are able, but estimates range from 1500-4000 total protesters at this time.
People from as far away as California have come to show they support what is best for the people and they DO NOT support the Dakota Access pipeline.
GREG WIZA, NORTH DAKOTA’S DIRECTOR OF THE HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES HAS PUT A PRICE TAG BETWEEN $750,000 TO $1,000,000 FOR THE EXTRA POLICE FORCE, BARRICADES AND PORTABLE TOILETS. HE SAID THE FIGURE COULD TOP $1,000,000 IF THE DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE BEYOND A FEW WEEKS.
Native News Online also states, “The governor’s declaration allows local county and state officials to seek extra funding that is required to operate their “security” measures of overseeing the demonstrations that have been peaceful in nature since they began on Thursday, August 11, 2016.”
Even though there were false accusations by police about pipe bombs (With protesters referring to pipes which are used to smoke herbs), Dakota Access security officials stated they have no evidence that any weapons, such as guns or pipe bombs have been part of the demonstrations.
Native News Online also reports that “The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe had its day in court at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, and now has to wait for at least two weeks for a ruling from U.S. District Judge James E. Boarsberge.”
Even an extra million dollars spent by tax payers now will be just a drop of water in the river compared to what people will have to pay after an oil spill. The protests are expected to continue at least until the ruling comes forth.
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