ND senator: Minn. needs to pony up for Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion

Main Avenue bridge
A file photo from April 2011 shows the Red River near the Main Avenue bridge in between Fargo, N.D. and Moorhead, Minn. State, local and federal officials are working to finalize plans to build a permanent flood protection system.
MPR File Photo/Nathaniel Minor

North Dakota U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad held a budget committee field hearing Wednesday in Fargo on a proposed flood diversion project.

Conrad took testimony from local officials about the need for a long-term flood control project. He said there must be local commitments to pay for part of the $1.7 billion project.

Conrad said North Dakota has agreed to pay it's share and that it's time for Minnesota to step up.

"They're going to have to have a proportionate share of this that is roughly in relationship to the benefits they derive," Conrad said. "That's only fair. And that's roughly $200 million. We need to send that signal very clearly. "

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Conrad said it will be more difficult to get federal funding for the diversion project if state and local officials aren't willing to pay their share of the cost.

Moorhead Mayor Mark Voxland said the local economy has taken a hit during floods the past three years. But Voxland said without permanent flood protection, at some point, flood waters will cause serious damage.

"We have been tremendously successful," Voxland said. "But when do we lose a neighborhood? That hurts. When do we lose part of a whole community? That's going to be incredibly painful not only to us but regionally and to our national economy.

Conrad estimates a catastrophic flood in Fargo-Moorhead would cause about $6 billion in damage. Local officials say the cost of fighting floods and trying to fund a flood diversion is stretching resources.

Next year, Fargo plans to ask voters to extend a one-half cent sales tax to help pay for flood costs.