Central ND News

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong participated in an event in Fargo to highlight the state’s $850 million contribution to the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project. The occasion marked the rerouting of the Red River through a newly constructed control structure, which is designed to help protect the region from severe flooding.

“This is truly historic, not only for Fargo-Moorhead but the entire state of North Dakota,” Armstrong said. “Not since the opening of Garrison Dam in 1953 has a river of this size been intentionally rerouted through a manmade structure in North Dakota. What is happening here today is beyond impressive, moving our state’s largest metro area one giant step closer to a more secure and prosperous future.”

Armstrong acknowledged state lawmakers for approving $850 million in funding toward the $3.2 billion project. He also noted his own support for the initiative over his career as a state senator, congressman, and now governor. Armstrong recognized collaboration among more than 50 organizations—including 30 agencies at various government levels—on what he described as a landmark effort.

The diversion project stands out as both North America’s first public-private partnership (P3) flood management project and as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ first P3 civil works undertaking.

Heavy rainfall earlier in the week caused water from the Red River to naturally flow into the new channel before planned removal of berm plugs could occur. During Thursday's event, officials instead opened tainter gates on the control structure to formally mark this milestone.

When completed in 2027, the 30-mile diversion will provide protection against a 100-year flood event for more than 260,000 residents living in Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding areas.