Project Designer Engineers (the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for design of the Southern Embankment and Associated Infrastructure) inform the Program Management Consultant (PMC) and Lands Program Manager when property rights need to be acquired for the FM Area Diversion (the “Comprehensive Project”).

The Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA) Finance Committee then reviews the proposed property rights to be acquired, along with the budget.  If approved, the MFDA Finance Committee issues a Land Acquisition Directive to one of the acquiring agencies.  The Cass County Joint Water Resource District (CCJWRD) is the entity acquiring the necessary property rights in North Dakota for the Comprehensive Project. The City of Moorhead and Clay County have formed a Joint Powers Authority (the MCCJPA) to acquire property rights in Minnesota.  Moorhead, Clay County, or the MCCJPA will be the acquiring agency for the necessary property rights in Minnesota for the Comprehensive Project.

The Lands Program Manager directs land agents, who are contracted with CCJWRD or MCCJPA to make initial contact with property owners and serve as the point of contact to guide property owners through the acquisition and relocation process.

An appraisal of the property rights required for the Comprehensive Project is ordered from a qualified and licensed appraiser. The draft appraisal report is submitted for review to ensure consistency of methodology, quality assurance, and conformance with appraisal standards.

The reviewed appraisal report and a proposed offer of just compensation based upon the reviewed appraisal report is approved by the CCJWRD or MCCJPA prior to submitting an offer of just compensation to the property owner. The offer of just compensation is presented to the property owner by the land agent.

If the property rights require acquisition of a residence, relocation benefits will also be offered to the displaced person(s).  If the property rights require acquisition of a commercial property, relocation benefits will also be available to assist with reestablishing the business.

The land agent will present a purchase agreement to the property owner for review and consideration. The land agent will be the point of contact for the property owners to review and negotiate the purchase agreement. If the owner accepts the offer, the purchase agreement is signed and a closing date is set.