Mandan City Commissioners have approved a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for the initial phase of the Lower Heart Flood Risk Reduction project. This funding will support the completion of engineering and design plans, a benefit-cost analysis, and environmental compliance necessary for the project's final execution.
The construction phase, known as Phase II, awaits further federal funding approval. Construction cannot commence until Phase I is completed and FEMA gives official approval for Phase II.
A 2012 FEMA study identified deficiencies in the Heart River levee system's ability to withstand ice jams during significant runoff events. A subsequent 2018 study by the Lower Heart Water Resource District (LHWRD), also approved by FEMA, reduced but did not eliminate necessary improvements. The levee extends from west of Mandan through the city to where it meets the Missouri River.
The project includes replacing a concrete floodwall, raising parts of the levee, extending a stability berm, addressing seepage issues, and improving interior drainage. These efforts aim to protect critical infrastructure within Mandan, including police and fire stations, city administration buildings, public works facilities, and wastewater treatment plants.
The total cost is estimated at $24.5 million. Federal contributions are expected to be $13.8 million; North Dakota will provide $5.1 million; and local funding will cover $5.5 million.
In 2022, Mandan's City Commission approved a special assessment district for this project affecting both commercial and residential properties across two tiers. Initial estimates placed local costs at $7.7 million but additional grants have reduced this to $5.5 million. Consequently, property owners can expect their special assessments to decrease by about 20%, payable over 15 years.
The timeline anticipates bid packages being issued in late 2025 or early 2026 with construction planned for 2026-2027 and completion in 2028. Special assessments would appear on property tax statements in late 2028 if this schedule holds.
A potential impact area is the Mandan Municipal Golf Course along hole four on its west side. LHWRD is collaborating with city and park officials to minimize disruption while ensuring community flood protection.
Installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1949 and managed by LHWRD since then, the Lower Heart levee has historically provided essential flood protection against frequent ice jams that raise river levels unexpectedly.
LHWRD manages approximately 12,200 acres across Mandan and Morton County with annual funding from Morton County capped at four mills per year.
Further details on this project will soon be available at mortonnd.org/lowerheartwaterdistrict.
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