Hoeven: State Water Commission Approves Funding For Permanent Flood Control In Grafton

Press Release

Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the North Dakota State Water Commission has approved a $7.1 million funding request for a project that will bring permanent flood protection to the community of Grafton. The City of Grafton requested state cost-share assistance for the construction of a diversion channel and flood system project.

Grafton is located along the Park River, a tributary of the Red River. Recurrent flooding along the south branch and main stem of the river has caused challenges for the community, which is located in the 100-year floodplain.

"Providing permanent flood protection for Grafton is important for the future growth and stability of the community and region," said Hoeven. "We are committed to comprehensive flood protection throughout the Red River Valley and this diversion is an important component of our overall flood control strategy."

The approved project will provide 100-year flood protection for Grafton and include a 2.8 mile bypass channel around the city. The Project Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to be signed in late 2010, with construction planned to be completed by 2015. The estimated total cost of the project is $41 million, of which the Corps will fund 75 percent and the state, 17.5 percent.

Hoeven chairs the nine-member State Water Commission that oversees the effective management of North Dakota's water resources.

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