Lawmakers hear multiple flood-mitigation funding requests for Red River basin, FM Diversion and Minnesota River projects

Representatives and local officials on March 20 told the House Capital Investment Committee that several flood-mitigation projects in northwest Minnesota and the Fargo–Moorhead (FM) diversion still need state money to finish construction and meet permitting requirements.

The requests ranged from multi‑million‑dollar asks for Red River Basin impoundments and city flood protection to smaller, targeted appropriations for watershed work. Witnesses said delays raise construction costs and risk losing momentum on projects already under way.

Why it matters: Committee members were told the projects reduce flood risk, improve water quality and are often required by permitting or settlement agreements tied to larger regional work, including the FM Diversion. Speakers said finishing the Minnesota work is necessary for full federal certification and for long‑term relief to homes, farms and infrastructure.

Robert Sipp, executive director of the Red River Watershed Management Board, described a package tied to the DNR flood hazard mitigation program and told the committee the board’s membership is “ready to roll.” Representative Tim Buerkle introduced House File 692 and said the request would fund projects in the Red River Basin; he described a $48,600,000 figure during his opening remarks.

Several presenters outlined project status and specific shortfalls. Chad Engles, a professional engineer representing the Bois de Sioux Watershed District, urged funds to keep an ongoing $61,000,000 Red Path impoundment moving: “We’re 60% complete,” he said, and requested $13,700,000 to finish the job. Tracy Halvinsgaard, Roseau River Watershed District administrator, testified the Roseau Lake rehabilitation is years in planning and asked for $9,000,000 to complete the next phase.

In separate testimony on the FM Diversion, Clay County Commissioner Jenny Mojo and others asked for $60,400,000 to finish Minnesota obligations tied to the diversion project and to meet permit and settlement commitments. Mayor Shelly Carlson of Moorhead said locally required work — including electrical upgrades for seven lift stations — must be completed before FEMA can certify the diversion, and she described remaining lift‑station work as rising in cost.

Area 2 Minnesota River Basin Projects, represented by executive director Carrie Netski, asked for $1,500,000 for local floodplain mitigation work in southwestern Minnesota. Netski described Area 2’s approach as voluntary, landowner‑driven storage projects at headwaters to slow runoff from the Buffalo Ridge.

Committee members asked about funding partners and matching authority. Witnesses said projects typically combine local levies, state programs (flood hazard mitigation, Clean Water Fund, Outdoor Heritage/LCCMR) and some federal dollars. Sipp said many of the Red River projects have match in place and are partly constructed but remain underfunded.

The hearing was informational; no committee votes were taken. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that delays increase cost and complicate permitting and that finishing current projects reduces future flood damage and related public expense.

Looking ahead: Committee members will weigh these requests alongside many other capital proposals as the session proceeds.