Two phases of flood protection project win national award

The largest infrastructure project in Minot’s history has earned national recognition.

Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Plan received the 2020 Crown Communities Award from American City & County, a national organization dedicated to recognizing public projects and servants. Projects are judged on uniqueness, short- and long-term value to the community, and effective and innovative financing.

“These two phases are vital parts of the overall $1.028 billion project to protect the City of Minot and the entire Mouse River Basin,” said Dan Jonasson, director of Public Works for the City of Minot and a director for the Souris River Joint Board. “These phases are great examples of what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local entities work together to find solutions for funding, permitting, construction, and maintenance.”

The City of Minot collaborates with many partners on the overall project, including the Souris River Joint Board, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Administration, the North Dakota State Water Commission, the Minot Park District, and the Ward County Water Board, as well as elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

Work on Phases 2-3 began in May 2018 and was completed in October 2020 at a cost of $40 million. The projects included more than 8,900 feet of earthen levees, a removable road closure, multiple levee ramps, interior drainage pump stations, and 1,600 feet of stream bank restoration.

Additional information on the award and project is available at americancityandcounty.com.