Heitkamp, Hoeven, Cramer Strategize With Fargo-Moorhead Leaders On Flood Protection

Press Release

Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven, as well as Congressman Kevin Cramer, today brought together Fargo-Moorhead leaders to strategize on ways to achieve permanent flood protection for the region.

The group discussed how important it is for the Senate and House to reach a compromise Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which includes authorization for the flood diversion project. Authorization allows federal funding to be provided for construction of the project, which is a large step forward in protecting people and property in the Red River Valley. The House and Senate each passed separate WRDA bills -- both of which include authorization for the flood diversion project -- which Senate and House leaders are working to reconcile.

"We are all committed to working together to achieve much-needed permanent flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead region," the delegation said. "We have seen too many times how severe flooding hurts North Dakota's communities, and we need to take steps to better protect families from the impacts. By working closely with local officials, we are moving forward with a plan that will reduce the threat of future floods. We fought to include the funding authorization in legislation which passed in both the House and Senate. And we're determined to continue to push for authorization of this project as the two chambers work to reach an agreement on their bills."

In addition to Heitkamp, Hoeven, and Cramer, the meeting was attended by Moorhead Mayor Williams, Fargo Deputy Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney; Cass County Commissioner Darrell Vanyo, Fargo City Administrator Pat Zavoral, Cass County Administrator Keith Berndt, and Moorhead City Administrator Michael Redlinger.

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