FARGO, ND (MFDA) – The FM Area Diversion project will receive $10 million from the recently passed Minnesota Bonding Bill to use on Minnesota flood-protection projects. The money will go to the Moorhead-Clay County Joint Powers Authority to fund stormwater lift station improvements in Moorhead as well as other mitigation projects in Clay and Wilkin County.

Thanks to $100 million that just came into the project fund from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ underspend on bids, the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Board authorized a 50/50 match for any funding from the legislature. That opens up $20 million for work on Minnesota flood control.

“I want to sincerely thank Sen. Rob Kupec as well as Rep. Heather Keeler and Rep. Jim Joy for their tireless efforts in helping secure this funding as part of the Bonding Bill,” said MFDA Executive Director Jason Benson. “Their work will help protect Clay County residents and, once FEMA remaps the floodplain, allow them to drop flood insurance premiums.”

Work is expected to begin this year on the funded projects.