Central ND News

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a contract modification worth over $13 million to R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc., based in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, for ongoing work on the Fargo-Moorhead region’s permanent flood protection project. The funding will be used for construction on the Southern Reach SE-2B segment of the project’s southern embankment. This latest contract brings the total value for this portion of the project to nearly $60 million, with completion expected in Fargo by October 23, 2027.

Senator John Hoeven commented on the announcement, stating: “This latest funding builds on our longstanding efforts to deliver permanent, comprehensive flood protection for the Red River Valley. For more than a decade, we’ve worked to secure support and move this project forward. Each milestone brings us closer to protecting homes, businesses, and communities across the Fargo-Moorhead region.”

The contract follows several legislative and funding actions supported by Senator Hoeven. These include passing 16 acts of Congress—nine legislative provisions such as project authorization in 2014 and new construction start authorization in 2016, along with seven appropriations to fund construction. Additionally, Hoeven was involved in securing full federal cost share funding of $750 million by renegotiating the Project Partnership Agreement to increase federal commitment from $450 million.

The project is notable for being the first major Army Corps initiative to use both a public-private partnership split-delivery model and a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan. Coordination has involved four federal agencies. Efforts have also included obtaining resources and regulatory flexibility needed to raise I-29 and begin excavation at the Red River Control Structure so that work stays on schedule. An easement issue involving lands bought with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds was resolved by allowing an alternative route.

This activity is part of a broader $437 million federal funding package secured in 2022 aimed at providing comprehensive flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead area.