Fargo will need fewer sandbags for flood fights

FARGO — More than $24 million in flood mitigation projects in the Fargo area mean fewer sandbags will be required in any future flood fights.

About 3.2 million sandbags were used during the spring 2009 battle against the Red River. City engineering officials told The Forum newspaper that almost a million fewer sandbags will be needed to protect to the same level, thanks to about 20 flood mitigation projects such as earthen levees, backyard floodwalls and storm sewer upgrades.

“It’ll certainly make our neighborhood’s job a lot easier,” said Bruce Penas, president of the Meadow Creek Neighborhood Association. “I think as a neighborhood we’re sort of out of gas.”

The projects also should lessen the load for city staff trying to protect areas across Fargo, City Engineer Mark Bittner said. The city also fought a flood battle last spring.

“I think the two consecutive-year floods really changed people’s opinions about what they expect for quality of life, and that does not include sandbagging every spring,” Bittner said.

Fargo used city and water district funds, sales tax revenue and state money to fund the projects, which included $5.2 million toward about 20 home buyouts. The City Commission plans a special meeting Tuesday to discuss where to focus future mitigation measures.

Separately, local, state and federal officials are continuing work on a proposed Red River diversion channel to provide long-term flood relief. Bittner says the diversion likely will take at least 10 years to build if approved.

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