08.23.24

Hoeven Outlines Efforts to Protect South Bismarck Homeowners and Businesses from Flood Risk, Costly Flood Insurance

Senator Secured $50 Million in Federal Funding to Advance $122 Million Bismarck Flood Control Project, Commitment to Help Fund University of Mary Wastewater Project

BISMARCK, N.D. - Senator John Hoeven today held a meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials and leaders from the Bismarck region to discuss efforts advancing:

• The $122 million South Bismarck Flood Control Project.
  • When completed, the project will protect nearly 1,000 homes and other structures, ensuring property owners will not need to buy flood insurance.
  • As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has secured $50 million in federal funding for the Bismarck flood project, which is expected to be matched by $43 million in state funds and $29 million in local funds.
  • Hoeven worked with FEMA Region 8 Administrator Nancy Dragani to advance the federal funding and move the project forward.
  • Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and will take 3 years to complete.
• A new $7 million University of Mary wastewater infrastructure project.
  • The university is seeking $5.25 million in federal funds to restore lands that are currently used as septic lagoons, with the university planning to provide 25 percent in matching non-federal funds.
  • Hoeven is working to secure the funding under FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and made the case to Dragani on behalf of the project.
  • Dragani committed to work with Hoeven toward strengthening the project's application in the program's upcoming funding cycle.

"Under the updated flood insurance maps, approximately 1,000 new structures are in the floodplain and will need flood insurance. The good news is that efforts are already underway to mitigate this risk with the South Bismarck Flood Control Project, an effort supported by $50 million in federal funding through FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance program," said Hoeven. "Having this funding in place provides certainty for the residents and businesses of Bismarck, putting construction on track to start in 2026. At the same time, we're using this opportunity with Administrator Dragani to continue making the case for an important project at the University of Mary to replace its outdated lagoon system. This project is a perfect fit for FEMA's BRIC program, and I look forward to continuing my efforts with FEMA to secure federal funding toward this effort."

Today's meeting builds upon conversations Hoeven has held with Administrator Dragani and other FEMA officials in recent months to help advance the state's priorities. In addition to Hoeven and Dragani, the meeting participants included:

• Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz.
• Bismarck City Commissioner Greg Zenker.
• Representatives from FEMA Region 8.
• North Dakota Legislators Senator Dick Dever, Senator Diane Larson and Representative Lisa Meier.

· Officials from the North Dakota Water Resources and Emergency Services departments.

· Jerome Richter, Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff, University of Mary.

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