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Clay County approves resolution seeking $60.4 million in state funds for Fargo‑Moorhead diversion projects in Minnesota
Summary
The Clay County Board unanimously approved Resolution 2025‑11 to support a $60,400,000 legislative appropriation to complete Minnesota‑side construction, land acquisition and related mitigation for the Fargo‑Moorhead diversion project; the amount includes requests for Moorhead lift stations and watershed projects.
Darren, a county presenter, asked the board to consider Resolution 2025‑11 supporting a legislative appropriation of $60,400,000 to complete Minnesota’s financial commitment to the Fargo‑Moorhead diversion project. The board voted to approve the resolution on Feb. 11.
Commissioner Ebinger and others said the dollar figure was expected and reflected long‑running advocacy to secure Minnesota funding for flood diversion elements on the Minnesota side. Commissioners reported meetings in St. Paul with legislators, the governor and committee chairs; county representatives said the appropriation request includes the City of Moorhead’s $16,000,000 lift station needs plus other Minnesota projects and mitigation work.
Commissioner Kravinoff said the Buffalo Red and Wild Rice watershed districts participated in outreach; the Buffalo Red Watershed District later unanimously approved its own resolution to support the appropriation and specifically identified funds for Wolverton and Georgetown mitigation projects.
Commissioner Mojo and others urged continuing pressure on state leaders and noted the county’s long‑standing commitments under the joint‑powers agreement for the diversion; Mojo said holding Minnesota projects until funding arrives would be “disheartening” given active buyouts and purchase agreements and urged advancing Minnesota work in coordination with North Dakota partners.
Jason Benson, executive director of the diversion authority, and Tony Grinberg, diversion board chair, participated in legislative outreach in St. Paul and were cited by commissioners for effective advocacy.
The board asked county staff to circulate the signed resolution to the diversion authority and legislative contacts. The motion passed by voice vote and the board recorded “motion carried.”
