Mandan Flood Risk Reduction Project
Currently, the Lower Heart River levee system is undergoing a FEMA re-accreditation process. A study conducted in 2012 indicated significant portions of the levee are not high enough to meet current federal standards. In the event the levee system cannot meet FEMA accreditation requirements, property owners protected by the levee system would be subject to flood insurance requirements. Should that happen, the direct economic impact to this area is estimated to be $9.6 million dollars annually.
Projects required to attain FEMA accreditation include:
Floodwall replacement
Raise 6,000 feet of levee and build stability berm in Lower Unit
Re-alignment and seepage mitigation in 3rd Street SE reach
Localized minor levee raises along the levee system
Interior drainage improvements, including lift station, to eliminate dry-side flooding
The improvements would be made with a combination of state and local funding. The North Dakota State Water Commission will provide the state funding and will bear a slightly larger portion of the costs. Initial estimates put the local portion of the funding at about $7.7 million. The Lower Heart River Water Resource District and City of Mandan have applied for federal funding for the project through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. If federal funding is awarded, the local cost share will decrease by half.
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Local cost share will be funded by property owners within the City of Mandan through the City’s special assessment process. The assessment district was presented to the Mandan City Commission, who resolved to establish it at their January 18, 2022 meeting. Property owners may provide written protests for the assessment district to the Mandan City Commission.
Timeline
Looking for information about Lower Heart River Water Resource District meetings?
Visit the Board Meetings page
