More State Flood Protection Money Sought for Minot, N.D., Region

Minot, N.D.-area officials will ask the state for another $119 million in the next two-year budget period for work on a flood protection project.

Officials say completing the first four phases of the project will protect 60 percent of the city’s population from flooding. The cost is $250 million.

The Minot Daily News reports that the Legislature set aside $40 million for the project during the current budget period, under a cost-share agreement in which the state kicks in 60 percent. The city wants that increased to 75 percent in the next budget.

The June 2011 Souris River flood caused $700 million in damage in the city. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is studying permanent flood protection for the basin. That could cost $1 billion.