What Metro Flood Diversion Authority does

The Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA) is a governmental joint powers authority established in 2011 and headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, tasked with planning, financing, and delivering the FM Area Diversion Project — a $2.945 billion flood protection infrastructure program intended to permanently protect approximately 260,000 residents of the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area from Red River flooding. The authority is governed by a Board of Authority comprising the Cities of Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo, along with Cass County (ND) and Clay County (MN), with chairmanship rotating annually among the City of Fargo, City of Moorhead, and Cass County.

The project's core technology is a large-scale physical flood diversion system comprising a 30+ mile Stormwater Diversion Channel and Associated Infrastructure (SWDCAI), a multi-reach Southern Embankment system (SE-1B through SE-5), three control structures fitted with large Tainter gates (3 gates of 50 ft at the Diversion Inlet and Red River structures; 2 gates of 40 ft at the Wild Rice River structure), ring levees, and an approximately 29,000-acre Upstream Mitigation Area (UMA) for temporary floodwater storage. Delivery combines a public-private partnership with the Red River Valley Alliance (operating as ASN Constructors for SWDCAI, aqueducts, bridges, and channel reaches), federal delivery by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under a Project Partnership Agreement, and technical oversight by Jacobs as Program Management Consultant.

MFDA is funded through a diversified structure — the "Four Legs of the Financial Stool" — comprising annual local sales tax receipts from the City of Fargo and Cass County ($66.75M projected for 2026), federal USACE appropriations, a WIFIA low-interest federal loan ($234M balance drawn in 2026), temporary sales tax bonds ($220M anticipated in 2026), North Dakota Legacy Fund contributions (fully received at $24M), and pending Minnesota state bonding ($10M). The 2026 cash budget is $1,016,893,807. Construction is targeted for substantial completion by September 2026, with full operational flood protection readiness by spring 2027, at which point MFDA transitions from a construction-oriented authority to a long-term operations and maintenance posture.

Name

Metro Flood Diversion Authority

Legal name

Metro Flood Diversion Authority

Website

https://fmdiversion.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Metro Flood Diversion Authority is a multi-jurisdictional joint powers authority that plans, finances, and delivers the $2.945 billion FM Area Diversion Project, providing permanent flood protection to approximately 260,000 residents of the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area through a diversion channel, control structures, embankments, and a 29,000-acre upstream mitigation area.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flood Protection Infrastructure

NAICS

Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction (237110)

SIC

Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction (1623)

akta.pro primary industry

Flood Control & Protection Infrastructure (Levees, Floodwalls, Gates, Pump Stations) (EUANAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pump Stations, Lift Stations & Booster Stations Construction (IMAFAGAD), Stormwater & Drainage Infrastructure Construction (Sewer, Detention, Outfalls) (IMAFAGAF), Detention, Retention & Storage Systems (Ponds, Tanks, Vaults) (EUANAEAD), Public Works & Municipal Infrastructure (Streets, Stormwater, Facilities) (BPAIACAF)

Keywords

• Flood diversion infrastructure
• Public infrastructure authority
• Water resource management
• Flood protection systems
• Public-private partnership

Headquarters

HQ city

Fargo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Sales Tax Revenues: Local sales tax receipts from the City of Fargo and Cass County constitute a primary revenue stream for the project. Projected at approximately $66,750,000 annually for 2026.
2. Federal Funding (USACE): Federal funding through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA), including budget amendments for specific project components.
3. WIFIA Loan: Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan for project financing. $234,000,000 balance anticipated to be drawn in 2026.
4. State of Minnesota Bonding: Potential $10 million from State of Minnesota through a pending $1.2 billion bonding bill for Minnesota-side project components.
5. Legacy Fund: North Dakota Legacy Fund contributions. All Legacy funds ($24,007,000) have been received.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Metro Flood Diversion Authority plans, finances, builds, and operates the FM Area Diversion Project, a comprehensive flood protection infrastructure system for the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. The project combines a 30+ mile Stormwater Diversion Channel, multi-reach Southern Embankment, Tainter gate control structures, an approximately 29,000-acre Upstream Mitigation Area, and P3-built aqueducts and bridges, supported by land acquisition, supplemental crop insurance, and public information tools.

Product overview

Metro Flood Diversion Authority operates the FM Area Diversion Project, a comprehensive flood protection infrastructure system. The project consists of multiple integrated components: the Stormwater Diversion Channel and Associated Infrastructure (SWDCAI), the Southern Embankment with multiple reaches, control structures (Red River Structure, Wild Rice River Structure, Diversion Inlet Structure), the Upstream Mitigation Area (UMA), and P3 components including aqueducts and bridges managed through a public-private partnership. Supporting programs include the Property Rights Acquisition and Mitigation (PRAM) Plan, Crop Loss Program, Interactive Lands Map, and Floodplain Maps. The project is scheduled to provide permanent flood protection by 2027.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FM Area Diversion Project Large-scale flood protection infrastructure project designed to protect approximately 260,000 people in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area from Red River flooding, comprising a Stormwater Diversion Channel, embankments, control structures, and upstream mitigation areas, targeting permanent operational readiness by spring 2027.
• Crop Loss Program Supplemental crop insurance program providing protection for agricultural producers in the approximately 29,000-acre Upstream Mitigation Area, including Prevent-Plant and Growing Season Supplemental Crop Loss coverage, backed by a $25 million estimated maximum probable loss fund.
• Property Rights Acquisition and Mitigation (PRAM) Plan Comprehensive land management program outlining property rights acquisition, mitigation programs, crop insurance programs, and relocation benefits for landowners impacted by the FM Area Diversion Project.
• Interactive Lands Map Public online mapping tool allowing users to view locations of project features and impacted land parcels by address or parcel number.
• Floodplain Maps Public mapping tool showing FEMA 100-year flood zones and estimates for how those zones will change after FM Area Diversion Project completion.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 260,000 people protected from flooding
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe USACE is the federal sponsor and primary construction partner for the project. They are responsible for design and construction of major project components including the Diversion Inlet Structure, Wild Rice River Structure, Red River Structure, and Southern Embankment segments under the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA). The USACE provides federal funding and regulatory oversight including Section 404 permit administration.
• Red River Valley Alliance (RRVA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRRVA is the private developer for the public-private partnership (P3) components of the project, operating under the name ASN Constructors for construction. RRVA is responsible for the Stormwater Diversion Channel and Associated Infrastructure (SWDCAI), including the diversion channel reaches, bridges, and aqueducts. A settlement agreement was executed in July 2025 to resolve outstanding claims.
• Cass County Joint Water Resource District (CCJWRD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCJWRD serves as one of the acquiring agencies for property rights in North Dakota, working with contracted land agents to acquire property for the project. They also collaborate on water resource management and drainage projects related to the diversion.
• Moorhead Clay County Joint Powers Authority (MCCJPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCCJPA serves as the acquiring agency for property rights in Minnesota, working with contracted land agents to acquire property for the project within Minnesota jurisdiction.
• BNSF RailwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBNSF has a Construction and Maintenance Agreement (C&M Agreement) with the Authority for railroad bridge work at Prosper, Hillsboro, and KO locations. The Authority reimburses BNSF for work performed, with invoices processed through the developer. BNSF crossings are critical path items for project completion.
• Jacobs (Program Management Consultant)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerJacobs serves as the Program Management Consultant (PMC) for the project, providing overall program management, coordination, and quality assurance across project components. Jacobs staff work alongside MFDA to manage the complex multi-component infrastructure program.
• Houston Moore Group, LLCmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHouston Moore Group provides engineering consulting services under a Master Services Agreement. They are providing design and construction support for the Sheyenne River Mitigation Project under Task Order 101.
• Watts & Associates, Inc.majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWatts & Associates developed the crop loss insurance programs for the Upstream Mitigation Area. Services Agreement amendment adds scope for continued development of the Crop Insurance Program including crop adjuster compensation, stakeholder communications, and legal impact analysis.
• Eide Bailly, LLPmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEide Bailly provides auditing services under a Master Services Agreement for professional services including engagement-specific Statements of Work.
• Horizon Real Estate GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHorizon Real Estate Group was selected through a Request for Qualifications process to list and sell the Horace Elevator site (excess land) under a commission-based exclusive authorization agreement with 6% commission.
• Program Advisor Services, LLCmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProgram Advisor Services provides advisory services for development, procurement, governance, and implementation of the FM Area Diversion Project under a Master Services Agreement extended to December 31, 2028.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA): SAFCA is a joint powers authority managing multi-jurisdictional flood control infrastructure for the Sacramento region, including levee improvements and weir systems. Directly comparable to MFDA in scale, governance structure (multi-county JPA), and mission of protecting a metropolitan area from riverine flooding.
• Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority - East: SLFPA-East operates and maintains the Greater New Orleans hurricane and flood protection system post-Katrina, including levees and control structures. Comparable as a regional flood protection authority built in response to catastrophic flooding, with similar multi-jurisdictional governance and federal sponsor relationships via USACE.
• Harris County Flood Control District: The Harris County Flood Control District manages a massive flood control infrastructure program in the Houston region with channels, detention basins, and bayou improvements funded through tax revenues and federal partnerships. Mirrors MFDA's combination of structural measures, public funding model, and regional governance role.

Regional players

• Hampton Roads Sanitation District: HRSD operates regional water infrastructure in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, including projects addressing recurring flooding. Comparable as a regional water/flood infrastructure authority with combined utility and flood control mandate.

Broad incumbents

• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (Flood Control): NJDEP oversees state-level flood control infrastructure, including Blue Acres buyout programs and stormwater management. Functionally comparable as a government entity responsible for flood mitigation projects including structural measures and land acquisition.
• California Department of Water Resources (Flood Management): California DWR operates State Plan of Flood Control and supports multi-billion-dollar flood infrastructure projects across California. Comparable as a larger governmental entity overseeing flood control infrastructure delivery, though with a statewide rather than metro focus.

Others

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works): USACE is the federal sponsor for the MFDA project and a key implementation partner. While not a peer in the competitive sense, USACE's Civil Works program is the closest federal analog operating multi-billion-dollar flood control infrastructure delivery across the U.S.

Emerging players

• Charleston Water System (Flooding & Stormwater): Charleston Water System has expanded into stormwater management and flood resilience infrastructure in low-lying coastal South Carolina. Comparable emerging player deploying integrated water management solutions for flood risk in a defined metro footprint, though smaller in scale than MFDA.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fm-area-diversion-project
• Xx.com/fmdiversion
• Facebookfacebook.com/FMAreaDiversionProject

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Metro Flood Diversion Authority