Red River flood diversion project gets funding boost

The long-awaited Fargo-Moorhead Red River flood diversion project got a boost Tuesday when the Army Corps of Engineers included the project in its 2016 work plan.

While the initial funding is only $5 million, Diversion Authority Chairman Darrel Vanyo said it's a sign the Corps is committed to the project.

Federal officials want to use the Fargo-Moorhead diversion as a demonstration of a public-private partnership. Vanyo said the Corps' commitment could encourage private contractors.

"Without the startup funds there's no way we could put the wheels in motion on that. You would never get big firms to do that."

This year's funding must be spent by the end of September.

However, the project could still face delays.

Construction can't start until the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources completes an environmental impact study and issues a permit. And a lawsuit by project opponents is in federal court.