Interim flood mitigation projects are still moving forward across the Red River Valley. And their progression could also have an impact on how much government money we get from the water resources development act.
Even though our streets may finally be clear of clay, the clean up continues from this spring's flood in various forms. Let's start in Moorhead, city engineer Bob Zimmerman says they are concentrating on buy outs along the new 100-year flood plain and improving infrastructure like storm sewers.
The tally so far for these things is nearing 40-million bucks. The bulk of that will come from the state. The hotspot of activity in Clay County is in Oakport Township. 31 properties have been bought out there, and some have already started coming down.
Cass County has completed FEMA grant applications to buy out 44 homes and more applications are on the way to purchase another 26 homes. Most of these lay in neighborhoods south of Fargo like Oxbow.
In Fargo, city engineer Mark Bittner says the south side flood control project is essentially on hold until the feasibility study is complete, but the good news is that they are almost finished with the Ridgewood flood control project on the north side.
Mark Bittner, Fargo city engineer: "Our project started last fall and should be completed by this fall so that would protect an area from the VA south to 15th along El Zagal golf course."
