A $2.75 billion plan to build a channel for flood waters around Fargo, North Dakota is described as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country.
"It's one of the biggest and most ambitious infrastructure projects in America right now: a $2.75 billion plan to build a new channel to divert flood waters from the Red River for 30 miles around Fargo, N.D., in order to save the area from future floods," reports Daniel C. Vock.
The Red River diversion project requires the cooperation of local officials, state authorities from North Dakota and Minnesota, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The state of Minnesota finally cleared the way for the project recently after a two-year standoff, and now it's up to North Dakota state legislators to fund the remainder of the project's cost.
As for the unprecedented involvement of the private sector on the project, Vock provides the following information:
A specially created local government entity, called the Diversion Authority, would then be primarily responsible for building the channel between the reservoir and a point downstream on the Red River from Fargo. The diversion agency, though, plans to hire a private consortium to build the 30-mile channel and maintain it for 30 years. It already has three contracting groups that have indicated they would be interested in undertaking the project.
The article also lists several desired benefits of the P3 arrangement.
FULL STORY: North Dakota's Massive Effort to Avoid Floods
$31 Billion ‘Ike Dike’ Hurricane Protection Project Moving Through Congress
Congress authorized the $31 billion ‘Ike Dike’ sea-level rise adaptation project, along with a laundry list of other water infrastructure projects.
Army Corps Pulls the Plug on $450 Million Mississippi Floodwater Project
A coalition of environmental scored a victory this month, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers canceled an expensive, and controversial, flood control project.
Criticism for Army Corps' Houston Flood Protection Plans
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has revised a plan to protect the Houston region from flooding by tossing out a proposed tunnel and opting instead to dig Buffalo Bayou wider and deeper.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie