Diversion Authority finance committee approves Otter Tail MOU, accelerated FEMA modeling task order and demolition award; adopts Cass County COLA policy

FARGO, N.D. — The Metro Flood Diversion Authority Finance Committee on March 26 approved a set of contracting and budget actions, including a memorandum of understanding with Otter Tail Power Company, a task order amendment to accelerate FEMA remapping modeling work, and a demolition contract award. The committee also approved routine bills and voted to adopt Cass County’s employee handbook approach for future cost-of-living adjustments.

The committee approved the Otter Tail Power Company memorandum of understanding to allow potential relocation or armoring of utility lines near the Christine area; the vote was unanimous. The meeting packet described the MOU as a preliminary agreement to enable future work if the Christine flood-control project requires changes to Otter Tail’s easements.

Why it matters: the accelerated modeling is intended to move up FEMA map revision work now planned for after construction to an earlier phase. Committee members and staff said earlier modeling could help speed certification of revised…