[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6165787,"mediaKeyId","5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f","parentId",5417818,"title","Fargo leaders urge continued state support for prairie‑dock funds, report progress on Red River water supply and diversion projects","audioSeconds",142,"startMs",2874000,"endMs",3016000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f&start=2874&end=3016","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f/thumbnail_2874000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165787/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Fargo-leaders-urge-continued-state-support-for-prairiedock-funds-report-progress-on-Red-River-water-supply-and-diversion-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165787-660513eec3a183a948d36c35b8b9d1c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136701&Signature=HK-L9ZfxCnh6XzfhhXgSv51lS7S6pfV~vaKvk2sLVQkXXlV-8s5bCHyO5iwNTCDkO0H4E95yTltNW6DjE0GybFt8A1xpN5cLPO4NNP9K9ivPSoQyDECYjeBeR~W7ELkY-7P5ODrWJHEZb4nluD3klghqLNY20HKEGacYT526HvgsguTU~G3YRH8Er4TaCSl8FcWNHk5Ra2jhQa28DZqKVWIAffjTlSufSeeoHYNQeAiH4DmiCBmh5d87~dIAhACyppEWY~GUhqIRzkOVlIo5Udf-RMWVk1pdhEFDDUbmJhc2rMsiO6WqPIR-iGrQY0RUfKN2ecyhji5VB9TFgXO7AA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fargo, ND","date","2025-06-11T00:00:00Z","article","City officials told the legislative delegation that continued state contributions to local infrastructure programs are critical to keep homeowner assessment costs down and move large projects forward.

“We rely on prairie dock funding to help with street‑rehab local shares,” Tom Nokos (public works presenter) said, describing a local funding source the city uses to reduce the portion of reconstruction costs special‑assessed to homeowners. Officials said the current biennium included two funding “buckets” and that the next biennium will show a reduction of about $20,000,000 in the program compared with the prior cycle; the city said that will increase pressure on residents’ special assessments unless other funds are found.

Mayor Mahoney thanked the delegation for the Red River Valley Water Supply appropriation and described the project trajectory. He said the city asked for an appropriation figure that was adjusted during the legislative process and that the city received an appropriation that will help move the project toward 40–50 percent completion in the biennium. He also said the diversion project continues and a substantial completion milestone is scheduled for October of next year.

Officials noted they are pursuing federal money to reduce state costs—Senator Hoeven was cited as advocating for federal support to decrease the state share substantially if secured. No new funding deadlines were announced at the briefing.

City staff emphasized that prairie‑dock funds are a significant element of the capital improvement program (CIP) and that reductions to that program will affect the city’s ability to limit special assessments for homeowners on reconstruction projects.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fargo City End of Legislative Session Recap - 06.11.2025","oneSentenceSummary","City officials said changes to prairie‑dock (prairie‑dock) fund allocations will reduce available local funds and thanked legislators for continued funding for the Red River Valley Water Supply and diversion project, while noting the project still needs federal support for faster completion.","taxTitle","Fargo , Cass County, North Dakota","taxId",2742,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165793,"Local police cite several legislative wins: longer mental‑health hold, fleeing‑owner liability and new ID provisions",579,1519000,2098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f&start=1519&end=2098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f/thumbnail_1519000.jpg","/articles/6165793/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Local-police-cite-several-legislative-wins-longer-mentalhealth-hold-fleeingowner-liability-and-new-ID-provisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165793-6939154d2c38d4c07549f929867fe5d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136701&Signature=UcR6PXoH0rB6a1rn1VUiNPAiG2P3yerNfzVu~rpse~dMmrnVmHm-KrR0aSNH6N3ecKlp9SkvH6C9w1f7ViOS8WyoKc1QF3z0pjzvS-IIQ3WzuvOUgoWXua6Pl5IICwoaBtqZ7Bnl-JYHr5wDEirUVpZpzUZrC0bMRYlK3BApd2R1cqA5feEmyhkhDEBipjSDS6Y2tIbjUxBd3QhmR9TjqRyE5nx0VJmNRxtsYeDDYd-fqeE6hIF2JvnTXfzsUWL5d7L8qw5oOrwqsxySfxYonPWqCV1OsVf8y~7F3p3oO6QVpFxRA3KOsNGyeOtp5Pv5a3zjAwngu734bQUkAisrWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fargo Police representatives told the delegation that multiple bills passed that they expect will improve law‑enforcement options and traffic safety.

Chief (name not provided in transcript) summarized legislation including a bill raising the emergency mental‑health hold to 72 hours, which police described as enabling more thorough mental‑health evaluations. “2171 that passed increasing the mental health hold to 72 hours... will be very significant in allowing a valid mental health evaluation of a lot of folks,” the chief said.

The police briefing also highlighted a “fleeing‑owner liability” bill (referred to at the meeting as 12/29) intended to help hold vehicle owners accountable when their vehicle is used in fleeing law‑enforcement stops. Officials said the law gives police an additional mechanism to deter high‑speed or dangerous vehicle flight and could serve as a deterrent.

Another bill (referred to as 13‑75 during the briefing) was described as changing licensed‑premises processes and making it an infraction if an alleged underage patron refuses to show ID, which police said provides a new enforcement tool and some protection for licensed businesses.

Police speakers also said the legislature ordered a study on traffic fines and fines increases; the chief said current fines are often too low to deter repeat offenders and welcomed study participation by law enforcement. No new local ordinances were adopted at the briefing; the comments described how state changes will affect local enforcement and next‑session priorities were suggested (for example, a stop‑and‑ID statute).","Fargo Police officials highlighted state bills affecting police work, including an increase to 72‑hour mental‑health holds, a fleeing‑owner liability measure and a licensed‑premises ID infraction tied to underage patrons; officials said these changes should aid enforcement and safety.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165797,"Legislature allocates $2 million for North Dakota urban transit; Fargo to receive roughly $426,000 a year",689,1841000,2530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f&start=1841&end=2530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f/thumbnail_1841000.jpg","/articles/6165797/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Legislature-allocates-2-million-for-North-Dakota-urban-transit-Fargo-to-receive-roughly-426000-a-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165797-48a890e810564381bc45b465a74f3793/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136701&Signature=cMD-mrqI8Rwa8OnIiXiUXd1L9Cd10KO5l3rroopatJwPgVfjfY2JIjGIfnF0MZOt3iA23PPE0t8fR3kry9MxijlxhNQ4rg9OomEYlVo0B6XjJOC9I8wCuJdCDvwUEfT1g6KHCMSdDhCtu11JGKOPSXznqIXnv5Ff24imni01bCgthSeAcJAB-C04POEqbfzR4nUM4Hvv5lln38r1Rhtt2WGsbqmR3f8vmq9OB2CcjJowKYUfVIXbGmRtWLaMAi4t4NnuFE9Gl8RdCfiVoVQOXUpj~9tXLjW-vCuv1rS~9eiDHrFKxkE5MT4zu7i9Awg2LA-uYO0kZSEfnBRxXmt3EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Transit leaders and city officials told Fargo’s legislative delegation that lawmakers approved $2 million for urban transit operating support for the four designated urban providers; Fargo’s share will be approximately $426,000 per year.

“Originally requested $15,000,000 for the four urbans; we were successful in getting $2,000,000 for the biennium,” Julie Baumel (transit) said, describing the allocation and a state allocation model that NDDOT agreed to use. She said Fargo was also awarded a study to inform longer‑term funding proposals for urban transit.

Officials noted a federal reclassification: Fargo moved to a larger urban designation in October, which changed federal allocation rules and reduced some federal operating support, forcing the city to cut routes. City staff said they had to consider fare and service adjustments and that they are studying consolidated or on‑demand services as part of long‑term planning.

City Administrator Mike Reuther and Commissioner John Strand said local operating costs have increased and that relying on federal capital grants alone does not cover recurring operating expenses. Reuther said local budget support has bridged gaps in the past; city leaders urged the legislative interim study to recommend a predictable, dedicated state source for urban transit operating funds.

No immediate new service expansions were announced. Officials said they will use the study findings and continued partnership with NDDOT to press for additional funding in the next biennium.","Transit officials said the legislature approved $2 million in the biennium for urban transit providers (Minot, Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck). Fargo officials said the award will be about $426,000 per year and that a funded interim study should help make the case for a longer‑term funding source.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165801,"Fargo public‑health leaders outline program cuts and debate needle program funding",856,821000,1677000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f&start=821&end=1677","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f/thumbnail_821000.jpg","/articles/6165801/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Fargo-publichealth-leaders-outline-program-cuts-and-debate-needle-program-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165801-27162ebc8af6387ddd6ce1bcd77da87e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136701&Signature=HucH0oaJKr9F1~Z5WXfZsStUCAAViYUiEg0ftZC8-UJFLVP2stZcej9CgwZ2~6NW8Bgi9umqJviz5XHRiRa2yzvB5GGMe3cTTipUSQFV7qVISfE2lJl6NgpVhuUeybtpOqFnAyG6w2cjFpXqpRLj6Nr7rxVvaJOSz31YvMDGgq3t~KjtzdR4j8u8sFb57a2vnTM5wVxlOt4CWhAprjN0eGTy01KRn0bllCvCQ8s0lrSKz4xnICwPf2cwqHx6YGCmmrfyW53UcZz6yKRWjSJq2zmsepMVH5X2RktqrFftK2Gz4Ylv5~fqZ4AGfcgLjjQX~13Lcv4vKw11C9sttBHoKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fargo public‑health staff told the legislative delegation that several federal and state funding streams are reduced or on hold, affecting immunization, cancer screening and substance‑use programs.

“Epi and lab capacity immunization cut... the fees for that from Fargo Cass Public Health at $75,000 were lost,” Jen Vollodrecht, public health (presenter), said while listing federal reductions and paused grants. She said the COVID‑19 health‑disparities grant and some community health worker funds stopped; the mental‑health and other federal programs remained in flux.

Officials said the state budget preserved $8 million in state aid (they had sought $10 million) and that some public‑health bills—such as tobacco‑tax proposals intended to reduce smoking—failed. Vollodrecht noted the loss of multiple prevention and screening dollars and said the department is monitoring program status and enrollment pauses.

The briefing included a pointed exchange over the city’s syringe distribution program. Commissioner Michelle Turnberg stated that the harm‑reduction program distributes needles and characterized the spending as “$100,000 a year in free needles in the City Of Fargo.” Turnberg said she believes settlement dollars should prioritize prevention and treatment rather than distribution.

Mayor Tim Mahoney and public‑health presenters defended the syringe program as disease‑prevention. Mahoney said the program prevents hepatitis C and HIV and reduces treatment costs; he also cited a high return rate for used syringes. Public‑health staff added they provide Narcan and resource information to participants and collect data on overdose prevention outcomes.

Vollodrecht described budgetary tradeoffs: some program cuts total tens of thousands of dollars locally (substance‑use prevention decreased by about 10 percent, which staff equated to roughly $29,000), and the department has paused enrollment for certain women’s screening programs pending state funding clarity.

No formal changes to the syringe program were announced at the briefing. Officials said they can reallocate opioid settlement funds to sustain services if other grants lapse, and they offered to provide legislators with program data—including client counts and overdose‑prevention outcomes—on request.","Fargo Cass Public Health described federal and state funding cuts that will reduce some programs; a sharp exchange followed over the city’s syringe distribution (harm‑reduction) program funded in part by opioid settlement dollars.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165807,"Fargo officials keep engagement‑center plan alive after state funding fails",337,337000,674000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f&start=337&end=674","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417818-6da8a61bdd0d152194e0d0f3b375475f/thumbnail_337000.jpg","/articles/6165807/Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/Fargo-officials-keep-engagementcenter-plan-alive-after-state-funding-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165807-a1f5cd72936b326705f5406cc72d4c06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136701&Signature=D2dUBa8vYhuenHnX4PcN4rHMzjKK0hk5D0SJLRIq1Bfw5m73rh1LMeB-2Nlynpou4NaF22B3gMasuX4JvierLI3bQNPotimYKrAOdJ3sz0PYuw2IvWx~kPRFTSdsHW~cibG3-Rd9QBoWJCvoo9Mi7TYJfHR5ih3YwlqzxqLXU5NB5yVInnUB0IClLX97at9Uh6-Y3VETr6MOms-zpA-SkNszmC-~a0L1cbPc9Tdu9wkyP14KCq14PjaSdNzRnw6C2uygzUz7LLwEICYwfrNVPWJEQaAeAXG59GBoMt1u-qAGaZrKsQpRVpI9yHgiDRXkIYA578aUYxMKApnYKG17uQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Tim Mahoney and city and public‑health staff told Fargo’s legislative delegation that state funding for a planned diversion/deflection component of the city’s engagement center did not pass, but the city remains interested in relocating and expanding its engagement services into one hub.

“That didn’t come through in the legislative bill,” said Jen Vollodrecht, public health (presenter), referring to the state proposal to add a diversion and deflection center to the engagement center. Vollodrecht said the city is exploring private partnerships and the Bloomberg Philanthropies design assistance to evaluate feasibility and site options.

The proposal discussed at the briefing would combine outreach, referrals and clinical services in a single “resource center and referral center,” city staff said. Officials emphasized that the center should be within walking distance of downtown transit and service providers to be usable by the population it intends to serve.

Mayor Mahoney said the site originally being considered, a property tied to Fargo Brewing, is no longer available. He said the city and staff want a location that is walkable to people in need and to existing providers such as Family Healthcare Clinic and Southeast Health psychiatric services.

City and legislative participants also discussed limits on state reimbursement if too many residential beds are colocated with a diversion site. Vollodrecht warned about federal Medicaid exclusions under the Institutionalized Mental Disease (IMD) rules if a colocated project consolidated too many beds: “If we get over too many beds, we’re concerned about IMD and exclusions,” she said. That concern shaped discussion about whether some bed‑based services would need separate addresses to receive state payment.

Participants said they will continue to search for private vendors and non‑profits to partner with and explore design options offered pro bono by Bloomberg. No site was identified at the briefing and no formal city action was taken.

Officials framed the project as a step to reduce unsheltered homelessness by improving referrals and getting people into housing rather than as an expansion of services without placement goals. The city emphasized the aim to “get them into housing” and to avoid drawing a larger out‑of‑area population to downtown services.

The legislative delegation and city staff agreed to keep communication channels open while the city develops a feasibility plan and seeks partners and locations.

Looking ahead, Vollodrecht said the engagement‑center concept remains under active consideration even without the state appropriation and that further feasibility work and private partnerships will guide next steps.","City leaders and public health staff said a proposed diversion/deflection center for people experiencing homelessness did not receive anticipated state funding, but the city will continue to pursue a walkable engagement‑oriented resource center with private and nonprofit partners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fargo leaders urge continued state support for prairie‑dock funds, report progress on Red River water supply and diversion projects

Local police cite several legislative wins: longer mental‑health hold, fleeing‑owner liability and new ID provisions

Legislature allocates $2 million for North Dakota urban transit; Fargo to receive roughly $426,000 a year

Fargo public‑health leaders outline program cuts and debate needle program funding

Fargo officials keep engagement‑center plan alive after state funding fails