West Fargo outlines $18M+ Ninth Street/Seventh Avenue reconstruction with major federal grants

West Fargo staff on June 24 described a multi-year reconstruction of Ninth Street Northeast and Seventh Avenue Northeast that will rely heavily on federal discretionary grants and a separate city-funded bridge.

Dan Hansen, senior director of community and development services, said the city received $9.6 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds through MetroCOG and an additional $8.8 million through a state DOT flex fund, together totaling about $18.4 million toward the project. “By the time that we get done with it, for the most part, the majority of the local amounts that would be paid for by the city would be the soft costs, including engineering, right away acquisition, and things like that,” Hansen said.

Project scope and funding: The reconstruction would rebuild Ninth Street NE from Main Avenue north to Twelfth Avenue, widen the roundabout at Twelfth and Ninth, and reconstruct Seventh Avenue NE east from Ninth approximately 1,300 feet into Fargo. The city said any work within Fargo’s jurisdiction will be paid by Fargo under a memorandum of understanding. Grant funds pay for roads, multi‑use paths and storm sewer but not sanitary sewer or water main; the city expects to assess remaining eligible costs to property owners in an assessment district (ID 2265) with a proposed 25‑year assessment period.

Bridge funding: The project includes a future bridge over the Burlington Northern Railroad. Hansen said the city received a separate grant of $23.8 million for the bridge; he estimated construction costs at about $30 million. “None of that is intended to be assessed at this time,” Hansen said. “We’re likely just going to take out a loan or a bond for that, and then that would be covered by the city.”

Assessment methodology and timing: The assessment area is divided into two subareas — one covering Ninth Street improvements and the other for Seventh Avenue east of Ninth — with benefit factors adjusted by proximity to the roadway (abutting parcels pay more). The city said regional arterial assessments would be 70% assessed to benefitting properties and 30% borne by the city, but grants reduce assessed totals. The city’s consultant, Houston Engineering, is finalizing the feasibility study and engineer’s report; staff said the city will pass a resolution of necessity and mail notices to properties before a protest hearing.

Connectivity and amenities: The project includes a continuous multi‑use bike trail from Ninth south to connect with an existing trail into Fargo and will extend pedestrian connectivity to the Goldenwood neighborhood. Hansen said the corridor is “pretty deteriorated” and lacks lighting and pedestrian facilities.

Public comment and occupancy notes: Commissioners asked about existing residential occupancy north of Hazels; staff said a small number of houses remain and some parcels are unplatted. The city noted a large Fargo property north of the corridor is being marketed for sale and potential subdivision.

Ending: Staff emphasized the grant awards greatly reduced potential assessments and that the city expects to proceed to engineer’s report, resolution of necessity and mailed notice to property owners before the public protest process.