County approves resolution supporting $60.4 million Minnesota appropriation for Fargo‑Moorhead diversion work

The Clay County Board on Feb. 11 approved Resolution 2025‑11, which supports a $60,400,000 Minnesota appropriation to complete construction improvements and land acquisition necessary for the Fargo‑Moorhead diversion project on the Minnesota side.

Board members described active legislative advocacy in St. Paul. Commissioners who attended meetings with legislators and the governor’s office reported it was productive: they met with legislative leaders, the governor and committee chairs to press for the appropriation. Commissioners said the $60.4 million request includes funding for a Moorhead request of $16 million and specific watershed and mitigation projects such as Georgetown levee work and watershed projects in Wolverton and Comstock.

Several commissioners emphasized the need to complete Minnesota‑side projects on schedule. Commissioner Mojo and others said pauses in Minnesota work could create problems for buyouts, certifications and insurance remediation tied to FEMA and the project’s permitting; one commissioner said some Minnesota projects — including Georgetown flood protection and mitigation tied to certification — are essential to the diversion’s operational and permitting outcomes.

Commissioner Mojo described coordination with the diversion authority’s executive director and said the new executive director was well prepared and helpful in St. Paul meetings. Commissioners also reported unanimous Buffalo Red River Watershed District support for the county’s resolution and said further discussions are planned with governors’ offices to revisit historical commitments and permit conditions.

Clerk recorded a motion to approve the resolution; the chair called for a voice vote and announced the motion carried. The board directed staff to send a signed copy to diversion authority leadership and to include the resolution in the county’s legislative packet.