The FM Diversion Project Costs Updated

The Diversion Board of Authority yesterday accepted a new cost estimate and adjusted funding plans for the FM Diversion Project and endorsed the proposed funding approach.

After reviewing the updated costs, design changes from Plan B, and modifications to utility relocates along the channel and revised contingencies, the total project is now estimated to cost $2.75 billion.

The costs are based on the project submitted to the MDNR and is subject to revisions once final approvals are obtained. With the approximately $430 million works completed to date, $2.33 billion in project costs remain.

“Reviewing the updated cost estimate is a prudent step for this important project. We will keep working with our state and federal partners to reduce the flood risk in our area and on our proposal to fund and finance the project,” Board Chair Del Rae Williams, Mayor of Moorhead, said.

In addition to a new cost estimate, the Diversion Authority reviewed funding mechanisms for the Project.

“We will be asking for more financial support from our state and federal partners, but locally our citizens are still picking up the largest financial share of the project thanks to the sales taxes that were passed in 2016,” Board Vice-Chair and Cass County Commissioner Mary Scherling noted. “This is a necessary investment in our future. With permanent, comprehensive flood protection, we will be able to protect our existing developed areas and keep the Fargo Moorhead economy strong.”

During the presentation, the Diversion Authority reviewed the following estimates for project costs:

• $502 million for Lands and Impacted Property Mitigation;
• $989 million for the Channel / P3;
• $703 million for USACE / Southern Embankment and Associated Infrastructure;
• $266 million for levees and other In-town projects in Fargo and Moorhead;
• $44 million for Other Mitigation Construction;
• $250 million for Non-Construction Costs.

The updated funding plan includes a combination of current and proposed commitments that, if secured, would result in the following breakdown:

• $750 million from the federal government ($450M existing and $300M new);
• $870 million from the state of North Dakota ($570M existing and $300M new);
• $1,044 million from the local sponsors funded through existing sales taxes;
• $43 million to be requested from the state of Minnesota for continued work in-town to pay for Plan B changes in MN and another $43 million for the project.