Central ND News

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven convened a meeting today with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials and local leaders to discuss progress on two significant infrastructure projects aimed at mitigating flood risks and improving wastewater management in South Bismarck.

The primary focus was the $122 million South Bismarck Flood Control Project, which aims to protect nearly 1,000 homes and other structures from flood risk, eliminating the need for mandatory flood insurance. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has secured $50 million in federal funding for this project. The funding is expected to be supplemented by $43 million from state funds and $29 million from local funds. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2026 and will take three years to complete.

Hoeven collaborated with FEMA Region 8 Administrator Nancy Dragani to advance federal funding for the project. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Under the updated flood insurance maps, approximately 1,000 new structures are in the floodplain and will need flood insurance. The good news is that efforts are already underway to mitigate this risk with the South Bismarck Flood Control Project, an effort supported by $50 million in federal funding through FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program."

In addition to discussing the flood control project, Hoeven addressed a new $7 million wastewater infrastructure project at the University of Mary. The university seeks $5.25 million in federal funds under FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program to restore lands currently used as septic lagoons. The university plans to provide 25 percent matching non-federal funds for this project.

Hoeven highlighted his advocacy efforts for this initiative: "We’re using this opportunity with Administrator Dragani to continue making the case for an important project at the University of Mary to replace its outdated lagoon system. This project is a perfect fit for FEMA’s BRIC program."

Today's meeting builds upon ongoing discussions between Hoeven and FEMA officials over recent months aimed at advancing state priorities. Participants included Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz, Bismarck City Commissioner Greg Zenker, representatives from FEMA Region 8, North Dakota legislators Senator Dick Dever, Senator Diane Larson, Representative Lisa Meier, officials from North Dakota Water Resources and Emergency Services departments, and Jerome Richter, Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff at the University of Mary.

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