Minot, ND — Local officials and engineers presented updated plans Thursday evening for the next phase of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project, outlining upcoming construction near Burdick Expressway and addressing residents’ concerns about property impacts, access, and flood insurance.
David Ashley, Chairman of the Souris River Joint Board, opened the meeting with an overview of the project’s long history, which dates back to the devastating 2011 flood. He emphasized the basin-wide approach required to effectively protect Minot and surrounding counties from future flooding. The Joint Board represents Renville, Ward, Bottineau, and McHenry Counties, along with the City of Minot.
Jerry Bents, one of the project’s lead engineers, walked attendees through the current design and goals. He explained that the flood protection is being phased in through a series of “milestones.” Milestone One, focused on North Minot and the water treatment plant, is nearly complete and will result in 60% of currently at-risk properties being removed from the FEMA floodplain once certified.
The meeting primarily focused on Milestone Two, which includes Phase 8 and 9 construction from downtown Minot through Roosevelt Park and across Burdick Expressway. Once complete, this segment is expected to remove an additional 15% of homes from the floodplain and significantly reduce mandatory flood insurance requirements for homeowners with federally backed mortgages.
Kristen Lotvedt, a design engineer, highlighted key features of the new construction:
The $52.8 million cost for the current phase will be split 65/35 between the state and Minot city sales tax revenues. Engineers explained that while construction is progressing as fast as funding allows, each phase generally costs between $40 million and $50 million.
Residents asked pointed questions about property access, construction disruptions, traffic safety, and the project’s long-term schedule. Officials confirmed that some properties would be acquired and that property owners had already been contacted. For those affected, the acquisition and relocation process is expected to take four to six months.
Minot City Council is expected to review the plan July 7, followed by a Joint Board vote on July 11. Public feedback is being gathered through comment cards and email submissions, with officials encouraging responses within the next 10 days.
For now, residents are urged to stay informed and provide input as the project advances toward its next critical milestone.
