Grand Forks staff told the Council Committee of the Whole Monday that purchase agreements were ready for property needed to widen the South End Drainway from the interstate to South 30 Fourth Street, a project recommended by a stormwater study this year. The acquisition involves two property owners and about 3.6 acres of land to widen the existing channel by an estimated 75 feet to the south.

City Engineer/Staff member (presenter) said the city negotiated a price of $30,000 per acre for the primary parcels and $7,500 per acre for existing slope easements that have limited development value, for a total purchase price of $74,430. The agreements were prepared with review by the city attorney and followed precedents in recent infrastructure acquisitions, staff said.

Council Member Osowski moved approval; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Staff told the committee the expense is included in the 2026 budget line for drainage improvements but recommended a 2025 budget amendment to record the acquisition if the closing occurs this year.

Staff emphasized the acquisitions are necessary to expand channel capacity and increase storage in the South End drainage system, work that has been underway in nearby ponds during recent construction seasons. The agreements will enable the city to proceed with design and construction of the widened channel as laid out in the stormwater study.