ND Legislature OKs $193 Million for Minot Flood Protection

The City of Minot’s flood protection efforts received a significant funding boost this week, as the North Dakota Legislature on Wednesday gave final approval to legislation providing $193 million for flood control projects within the city.

“It’s incredible to have this funding secured,” said City of Minot City Manager, Tom Barry. “With this bill, the future of flood control in Minot is significantly more clear.”

House Bill 1020 provides the city with a measure of clarity as construction on the initial three phases of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project is expected to begin this fall.

The $193 million will fund the state’s portion of the first four phases of Minot’s flood protection plan through 2025 and the tieback levees needed.

The estimated total cost for the initial four phases is $324.8 million; the City of Minot’s share is an estimated $131.8 million.

The first four phases, along with the tieback levees, would protect approximately 60 percent of at-risk properties which will be in the new Federal Emergency Management Agency flood plain when the Flood Insurance Rate Maps become active in the city.

As part of the legislation, the Souris River Joint Board and the City of Minot would not be able to request more flood protection funding until the 2025 legislative session for work in the city limits.

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