Key Phase of Flood Control Project Secures Federal Funding

A key phase of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project has received a major financial boost.

Sen. John Hoeven announced this week that $61.45 million has been secured to complete funding for Phase 4, also known as the Maple Diversion.

“This is great news for Minot and everyone in the Souris River Basin,” Minot Mayor Shaun Sipma said. “With funding for this phase, we can finish design work and move toward construction of this critically important piece of infrastructure. It’s been a long process to reach this point, and we’re very thankful that our partners have stood strong with us along the way.”

The project will construct a high-flow diversion channel in southwest Minot to a location near the new Broadway pump station; the channel will divert water in times of high river levels instead of letting water flow through sections of Minot that previously flooded, including the area near the former Ramstad Middle School. Completion of phase 4 will connect four other phases and help protect approximately 60 percent of Minot from future flooding.

“We are grateful that our federal partners have delivered on their commitment to provide funding for flood protection in the Mouse River basin. Federal support allows us to stretch state and local funds further throughout the basin,” Souris River Joint Board Chairman David Ashley said.

North Dakota’s congressional delegation has been instrumental in moving this phase of the project forward, helping the Maple Diversion phase gain support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and securing funding from federal partners.

“We’ve worked hard over the last decade to secure federal funding and approval to advance permanent flood protection in the region,” Hoeven said. “This $61.45 million in federal funding will fulfill the federal commitment for the project and enable completion of phase 4. This is a big win for the community, and will help to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Souris River Valley, as well as the region’s long-term economic stability and growth.”

City of Minot Public Works Director Dan Jonasson said the total cost of the Maple Diversion phase is approximately $90 million. State and local funds will cover the remaining 35 percent of the project’s cost.