Federal grant to help address traffic concerns in Fargo

FARGO (KFGO) – Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski calls it a “big deal.”

Zibolski is describing a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to help launch a traffic safety unit aimed at curbing street racing and dangerous driving. They are both problems that have prompted complaints and safety concerns from Fargo residents and law enforcement.

“It’s been a pretty big gap in our public safety capacity for some time,” Zibolski said. “I think it really came into play starting in ‘19, ‘20, ‘21 – the COVID years. We’ve seen it here in Fargo. We’ve heard from our residents for the past couple of years, very loudly. They want something done with the traffic issue – the speeding, dangerous driving, and loud mufflers. We just haven’t had the capacity to do that.”

Six officers will be added and partially funded through the $750,000 grant.

The city will cover the remainder of the cost of salary and benefits over a three-year period. Those positions will be added to Fargo’s Police Academy beginning in January and will start in the fall of 2024.

Zibolski said the federal grant application was focused “solely” on reestablishing the Traffic Safety Unit.