City Urges Action on Permanent Flood Protection; Cost Expected at $2.1 Billion

We are learning why the F–M Diversion is now expected to cost $2.1 billion.

An informational meeting was held to get everyone up to speed on the increase.

This new number is just an estimate and not set in stone yet.

But there are a lot of factors that play into this big price tag.

Seven years ago this month, the Red River rose to more than 40 feet in Fargo-Moorhead causing the highest flood level on record.

It’s a reminder of why the area is in need of permanent flood protection.

“I think it’s something to embrace. It’s good for the community. I would tell them that they will reap the benefits of I think good public policy and good planning around protection for the community,” says Martin Nicholson of CH2M Hill.

Nicholson says the updated estimate of $2.1 billion is caused by inflation, scope increases to in–town levees and the increases in acquisition costs.

He also introduced the Public–Private Partnership (P3) project saying it delivers the best value for the dollars spent.

“It allows the project to be built simultaneously. It allows for greater innovation, less contracts with all contribution to potential cost savings,” says U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Project Manager Terry Williams.

Because the project is funded through sale tax revenues, state and federal funds, locals could be paying more out of their wallets.

“The majority of that increases is due to time. Things cost more as time goes on,” says Williams.

If approved, construction will tack on to projects already being built; building taller and longer levees that are certified to last 100 years.

“So we want to consider what’s being built today and what the future obligation are and make sure in the long term, the locals can afford the project,” says Nicholson.

Time is money.

If the project does not begin as scheduled, it would increase nearly $60 million every year.

The financial plan will be ready in the next 30 to 60 days.