Fargo-Moorhead Flood Protection Projects Wait for Funds

The bill for Fiscal Year 2016, which is on track to be passed by Congress later this week, will help communities in North Dakota build permanent flood protection projects.

The bill includes funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s proposed budget for construction, and authorizes new studies and construction activity that will help to advance flood protection projects in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

Senator John Hoeven worked on the Appropriations Committee to include language in the FY 2016 Energy and Water funding bill, which has now been included in the year-end legislation. The bill favors P3 projects, which is the project delivery model approved by the Flood Diversion Board of Authority in September.

The P3 delivery will facilitate a shorter construction schedule for the Diversion Project, and at a lower cost than would be possible under standard delivery models.

“The new year-end funding bill takes a big step to help communities like Fargo-Moorhead and Minot advance vital flood protection projects by authorizing new starts and studies, as well as by increased funding for construction,” said Hoeven. “The bill we’re on track to pass this week continues that progress for major flood infrastructure for the Red River Valley and the Souris River region.”

Hoeven and Senator Heidi Heitkamp, along with representatives from the Diversion Authority, have met frequently with top officials from the Corps in an effort to secure funding for the Diversion in the Corps’ work plan.

“Permanent flood protection is vital for Fargo and all of North Dakota, so I’ll keep engaging with local and federal leaders to build on the progress we were able to make in the spending deal,” said Senator Heitkamp. 

Hoeven also said that the bill will increase the Corps’ funding for FEMA flood-mapping activities to better coordinate with flood insurance and keep premiums more affordable.