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FM Diversion and partners say project is over 80% complete; aim to be ready for 2027 flood season
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Summary
FM Diversion officials reported the diversion project is over 80% complete, listed 2025 construction milestones (14 bridges opened) and said they expect major construction to finish in 2026 so the system can operate by spring 2027 if weather allows.
FM Diversion and Corps representatives told local leaders that the Metro Flood Diversion Project has moved into its final major construction year and is more than 80% complete. Project staff highlighted milestones from 2025 — including 14 bridges opened to traffic and major earthwork on the diversion channel and southern embankment — and said continued work will make the system operational to protect the region starting in 2027.
"We're in our final year of construction," Jason Benson, executive director of the FM Diversion Project, said, noting that spring 2027 is the target for being ready to operate if conditions permit. He described huge volumes of earth moved and piling placed, and said the team expects additional federal funds to arrive after an amendment to the partnership agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Why it matters: the diversion protects roughly 260,000 residents in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead and reduces repeated emergency responses and long‑term recovery costs. Project leaders framed the construction as an investment that reduces the need to rebuild after major floods.
Near‑term actions and schedule: Benson said the team expects a partnership agreement amendment in the coming months and described an expected tranche of funding (an estimated $60,000,000) by the end of the fiscal year to support wrap‑up work and bridge openings. Officials emphasized remaining technical tasks (bridges, lift stations, aqueducts) and the need for a cooperative spring with respect to high river flows while finishing construction.
The briefing did not include formal votes or binding commitments beyond scheduled project management and funding negotiations; local leaders and state officials thanked project staff and pledged continued coordination.
