Celebrating a momentous step toward flood protection

Moorhead, Minn. (July 1, 2021) – The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce celebrates a momentous step in an over decade-long policy effort to secure permanent flood protection for the region. On June 18, 2021, the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority Board selected Red River Alliance as the Public Private Partnership (P3) developer for the immense project.
 
The Chamber, community organizations, residents, and our policymakers on the local, state and federal levels, have tirelessly advocated for this critical flood protection for over ten years. Though segments of construction are already underway, this developer selection signals the beginning of the over six-year build process for the key piece of the project. For all of the project supporters, this milestone is something to be proud of.
 
The Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority Board announced on Friday, June 18, that Red River Alliance with their bid of nearly $935 million was selected as the Public-Private Partnership (P3) developer for the 30-mile diversion project, the first of its kind in the United States. Along with this announcement comes a $569 million federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan.
 
This WIFIA loan accompanies $435 million allocated in North Dakota’s 2021 Bonding Bill (HB 1431), which passed in the 67th North Dakota Legislature and was signed by Governor Burgum. During the 67th Legislative Assembly and in many before that, The Chamber’s Public Policy committee, Business Leaders for Permanent Flood Protection Taskforce, Cass County legislators and other partners, played an important role in securing state funding to make this project a reality.
 
“This is an exciting time for the region,” said Chamber President/CEO, Shannon Full. “The Chamber has been a strong advocate of permanent flood protection for many years. This project will be a major asset to our business community providing growth opportunities through economic certainty.” Vice President of Public Policy, Katie Mastel added, “This announcement is to the credit of our local, state and federal officials on both sides of the river, the Diversion Authority Board, and The Chamber’s Business Leaders for Permanent Flood Protection Task Force, among many others. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the critical collaboration of so many.”