MFDA Planning Committee Meeting – August 13, 2026

See full minutes.

A meeting of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was held on August 13, 2026. The following members were present: Josh Boschee, Mayor, City of Fargo; Eric Gjerdevig, Mayor, City of West Fargo; Tony Grindberg, Cass County Commissioner and Kevin Campbell, Clay County Commissioner.

Member(s) absent: Shelly Carlson, Mayor, City of Moorhead and Rick Steen, Cass County Joint Water Resource District.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Boschee called the meeting to order at 2:01 PM. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was present.

2. APPROVE THE JULY 2026 MINUTES

MOTION PASSED

Mayor Gjerdevig moved to approve the July 2026 minutes, and Mr. Grindberg seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

3. APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

MOTION PASSED

Mayor Gjerdevig moved to approve the order of the agenda and Mr. Grindberg seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

4. PROJECT DOCUMENTARY

Mr. Benson introduced the project documentary and turned it over to Mr. Chandler Dick from C3 Media to explain the process, what is required to create a professional, polished product as well as the anticipated costs to produce the documentary.

 Mr. Dick explained the heart behind the project and its importance in the Red River Vally as well as the complexities of the project. He stated that the goal of the documentary is to create a piece that is community-driven that makes it special and important.

Mr. Dick reported that he anticipates the financial need for the documentary to be approximately $400,000. He also indicated that there may be alternate funding sources from the state(s) or sponsorship opportunities.

After lengthy dialogue, Mr. Grindberg and Mr. Campbell commented that more research needs to be done in the next two to three months and that the RFP process needs to be followed.

5. SEPTEMBER BOARD RETREAT

Mr. Benson shared the agenda for the September 15 board retreat, indicating that it will begin at noon at the MFDA Amber Valley Parkway office with a lunch meeting and wrap up with a tour of the project.

Tentative agenda

• Update on O&M planning
• Six-Month outlook at the critical path to get the project ready for a Spring 2027 potential flood
• Budget timeline for 2027 budget
• Budget for transition from construction to O&M
• Financial plan update
• Update on October recognition event
• Bus tour to visit key components of the project

6. OCTOBER 22 RECOGNITION EVENT

Mr. Benson reported that the social hour will be from 5-6 PM and dinner will begin at 6 PM. Committed speakers thus far include Senator Amy Klobuchar (potentially virtual) and Senator John Hoeven. Ms. Willson reported that $90,000 in table sponsorships have been received and tickets will be going live for others to purchase.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Benson reported that Senator John Hoeven will be in Fargo on Tuesday, August 18, for a press conference regarding the Farm Bill Provision Legislation. The press conference will be held at the Larry Richard farm in Horace.

8. OTHER MEETING

The next meeting will be on September 10, 2026.

9.  ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Gjerdevig moved to adjourn, and Mr. Grindberg seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 2:58 PM.