Purpose
The purpose of this work is to repair the flood control measures that were damaged in the 2023 spring floods in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Location
The Grand Forks Flood Control Project targets the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, along the Red River of the North. Grand Forks is approximately 120 miles south of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and 75 miles north of Fargo, North Dakota. The English Coulee diversion channel is part of the levee system protecting the city of Grand Forks; this diversion channel is located along the western and northern perimeter of the Grand Forks Flood Control Project and moves water to an outlet that joins the Red River of the North.
Description
This Grand Forks project for local flood control improvements, including the construction of levees, floodwalls, diversion channels, and other flood control measures, was authorized in 1998.
In April 2023, the Red River of the North basin experienced a localized rain event in combination with rapid melt of a heavy snowpack, creating severe flooding in North Dakota and Minnesota. This flooding produced significant erosion in the English Coulee diversion channel, resulting from high water flow velocities that exceeded the designed protection of a grass-lined channel. The total damaged areas exceeded 4,630 linear feet, sporadically distributed along two miles of channel.
The last levee inspection before the high-water event of 2023 was conducted in August 2018, and the city has maintained eligibility in the rehabilitation inspection program. The sponsor is proactive in identifying deficiencies and pursued Public Law 84-99 assistance when post-flood inspections were completed.
Status
The design of the repairs is complete, and the project will be advertised after final documentation and funding are received from the city of Grand Forks. The work is scheduled to be completed in the 2025 construction season.
Authority
Original project: This work is authorized under Section 137 of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1999, Public Law 105-277, dated Oct. 21, 1998.
Emergency repairs: This work is authorized under Public Law 84-99.
Funding
The design and construction to restore the channel to its original condition will be completed with 100% federal funds. The city of Grand Forks provided additional funding to upgrade to riprap lining in some areas of the channel.
Estimated costs
Project information report (federal) $35,000
Project repairs (federal) $894,000
Riprap betterment (nonfederal) $300,000
Total $929,000