Diversion

Minnesota DNR Approves Permit for FM Flood Diversion Project

The approval comes two years after initial construction was halted

FARGO, N.D. — The FM Flood Diversion Project is moving forward after its permit was approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Two years ago, construction on the FM Diversion project was halted near Oxbow after concerns over the project’s environmental impact. After waiting several months for a decision on the plan B proposal, members of the F–M…

Local Leaders Discuss Diversion Progress, Additional Federal Funding

Senator John Hoeven and Major General Scott Spellmon were briefed on the current status of the project

FARGO, N.D. — As the Deputy Commanding Officer for Civil and Emergency Operations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Major General Scott Spellmon is used to dealing with natural disasters. But as he goes around the country to help out others, he looks to one day stop a catastrophe before it even happens. “He’s going from here to Florida. Now…

Cass County Commissioners Bring Legislators Up to Speed on Diversion Updates

Some commissioners anticipate a decision from the Minnesota DNR will be made in the winter

FARGO, N.D. — While the FM Diversion Authority awaits a decision from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), state legislators and legislative candidates learned about the project’s progress. Cass County Commissioners and engineers discussed the project’s history and why flood protection is important for people living in the Red River Valley. With several legislators and candidates in attendance, commissioners say…

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Minn. DNR Hold Public Meeting on F-M Diversion

The public got to learn about and comment on environmental impact drafts

MOORHEAD, Minn. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Minnesota DNR held a public meeting in hopes of getting feedback from the community. People who showed up at the Courtyard by Marriott got to see environmental drafts for the revised diversion plan. The USACE says that two big parts of the project have changed. “One is that…

Diversion Would Increase River Stage to 37 Feet Under New Plan

FARGO, N.D. – Fargo’s City Commission gets an update from the city’s engineering team about a new diversion plan. The presentation was not up for consideration. Engineers wanted the commission to be aware of the project they have been working on. They say the city may need to purchase additional land for it and most likely buy out more homes. “The…

Fargo City Engineer Mark Bittner Retires After 42 Years

He led the city through some of the worst floods in 1997 and 2009

FARGO, N.D. — Fargo’s Director of Engineering is retiring after leaving a lasting impact on how the city handles flooding. The city of Fargo had a retirement party for Mark Bittner to celebrate the 42 years he’s served with them. “I can’t thank them enough for all the support they’ve shown me over the years,” Bittner said. Bittner, who has…

Senator Hoeven Asks for $35 Million of Federal Funds to Support Diversion

The funds will go towards flood protection of Fargo as well as diversion design and engineering plans

FARGO, N.D. — While the Metro Flood Diversion Authority awaits a decision from the Minnesota DNR on the new diversion plan, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Senator John Hoeven stress the need for flood protection across the valley. “This is a huge project, you’re talking more than $2 billion, but really important because this is a dynamic, growing region and…

Minnesota DNR Permit Decision On The FM Diversion Delayed Until Fall

Fargo Mayor Mahoney remains optimistic plan B will get approval

FARGO, N.D. — Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney says it will be September or October before the Minnesota DNR issues a decision on a permit application for the FM Diversion. Backers of the $2.4 billion project to protect Fargo-Moorhead from major flooding had hoped to hear a decision from the DNR by now. The project was halted last year by a…