The Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA) announced that it has received the Final Agency Decision from the Minnesota DNR affirming its decision to grant the Dam Safety and Public Waters Work Permit issued by the DNR in 2018. This will allow the MFDA to continue with construction of the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion Project.

The DNR’s decision in 2018 to issue the permit was appealed by opponents of the Project which prevented construction of some elements of the Project. The MFDA and the opponents who appealed the DNR’s decision have since agreed to settle all cases challenging the Diversion Project and the DNR conducted a rigorous second internal independent review of the permit affirming its 2018 decision.

Under terms of the DNR permit, the MFDA will be required to obtain property rights for all land impacted by the project up to the probable maximum flood event.

The Project is being delivered through a split-delivery method with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). USACE is responsible for the construction of the Southern Embankment and Associated Infrastructure and the MFDA is responsible for construction of the Diversion Channel and Associated Infrastructure.

The MFDA is the governing authority managing the Diversion Project. The Project is designed to provide permanent, reliable flood protection to the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. The project began construction in 2017 with completion planned for 2028.