"Before I begin discussing the impacts of this fantastic announcement, I’d like to offer a few words of appreciation. First, thank you to Senator Hoeven, for continuing, as you have for countless years, to be one of our greatest advocates and a champion for permanent flood protection for the people of Fargo. Thank you Governor Burgum, for your willingness to work collaboratively with many stakeholders via the Taskforce and your support for the funding & bonding necessary for this project. And to our state legislators; thank you. Thank you Representative Armstrong, for your support in this long journey throughout your time in North Dakota and now in your service in Washington. To all of our partners and friends at the US Army Corps of Engineers: you have stuck with us and been consistent advocates on our behalf. We could not have asked for a better partner. I must also express my appreciation to all of our local partners and to former Mayors Johnathan Judd and Del Rae Williams. To our partners in Cass County and our rural residents. Thanks to the Diversion Authority staff and consultants, along with members of Team Fargo who have invested countless hours into making the diversion project possible. I also want to thank Nathan Boerboom on our Fargo Engineering Team for his passion, expertise and calm leadership as our lead engineer for in-town protection efforts.
Since I was first elected to the City commission in 2005, the citizens of Fargo have held flood protection as the city’s top priority. We know that many sacrifices have been made by our residents and businesses for the sake of all of us. Since 2009, 258 in-town properties in Fargo have been acquired to achieve permanent flood protection. Even more incredibly, there were 120 properties acquired before 2009. Just take a second to think about that; hundreds of peoples’ homes given up to ensure the safety and continued prosperity of all. Let’s also reflect for a moment on the immeasurable amount of time and energy given freely to create and place tens of millions of sandbags by our community members throughout the years. We are truly blessed to have witnessed these selfless acts time and time again.
There are three elements of work which are required to make this Diversion Project successfully function: The City, the Corps and our P3 developer. Let’s take those one at a time here.
Number one: over the last decade, let’s be clear, Fargo and Cass County did our part. Specifically, in Fargo, we have been very successful in building over 21 miles of floodwalls in-town. We are now rapidly approaching the completion of our levees necessary to allow the FM Diversion Project to successfully operate.
Number two: The Corp of Engineers projects have been under construction for the last few years here and continue to make rapid progress.
Number three: today’s announcement of the selected P3 developer will bring to the table the last piece needed to complete the plan to once and for all achieve permanent flood protection for this region.
Often people wonder how they fit into all of this. What does the construction of the project mean for you, your neighbors and your children?
It means the realization of a vision of a Fargo metro which may have seemed impossible only a decade ago will become reality within the next six years.
It means a Fargo Metro without the flooding uncertainties residents have been living under for generations. One where thoughts of the future include beautiful plazas, new developments, performing arts centers and an expanded FARGODOME, not trap bags, clay levees and mountains of sand.
It means a Fargo Metro which is finally on a level playing field with other growing and dynamic communities, not a place with additional hurdles to consider when building and expanding. One where developers ask “which property is best for my business” not “where can I build to avoid flooding?”
It means a Fargo Metro that is truly the Upper Midwest’s brightest star and now fully ready to flourish and become a player on the international arena. One where flooding will never again place the great things we can accomplish on the back burner. It means a Fargo Metro where “Sandbag Central” is a name you read about in history books, not in the newspaper. One where the resolve and selflessness of our people will not be called upon year-in and year-out.
So what does today’s announcement mean for the current and future residents of the Fargo metro? It means a better and safer place to live, to work and to explore. This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the history of the Fargo-Moorhead metro. Thank you all very much for all you’ve done in getting us to where we are today."
- Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney