January 25, 2023

Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney Takes Helm of MFDA Board of Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FARGO, ND (January 25, 2023) – Leadership of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority’s Board recently changed with the new year as Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney assumed the chairperson role following the completion of Cass County Commissioner Chad Peterson’s term.

“I’m looking forward to further amplifying this project in 2023 at a fast pace to ensure the goals set forth by the MFDA Board are met. The public has placed its trust in us to get this project done in an expedited, efficient and effective manner,” Mayor Mahoney said. “This is a pivotal year for us. I’ve been a part of this project since 2009 and I’m extremely honored to once again serve as chairperson.”

As Commissioner Peterson wrapped up his term, he cited several moments that stood out for him, including national and international recognition for the diversion’s innovative financing and construction plans as well as joining with partners to turn the first shovelfuls of dirt on the 30-mile-long stormwater diversion channel that will route floodwater around the metro area.

“Between getting assured funding from the federal government and breaking ground on another phase of a project that will protect lives, livelihoods and billions of dollars in property, I’m not sure this year could have gone much better for the Metro Flood Diversion Authority,” he said of 2022.

This is expected to be another big year for the project, with construction taking place at sites throughout the region.

Mahoney anticipates meeting the timeframes to which the MFDA Board has committed itself, working on continued improvement of oversight and ensuring that contractors are well-versed in all facets of the project and ways in which their work overlaps with others.

The MFDA Board is led by 13 members who represent stakeholder entities in the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion project, which will provide permanent, reliable flood protection to Fargo, North Dakota; Moorhead, Minnesota; and surrounding communities.

Board members are appointed by the Fargo City Commission, Moorhead City Council, Cass County Commission, Clay County Commission, Cass County Joint Water Resource District, and the West Fargo City Commission. The chairperson role rotates among the mayors of the City of Fargo and City of Moorhead as well as a member of the Cass County Commission. Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson served as chairwoman in 2021.

About the Metro Flood Diversion Authority

The MFDA is a permanent North Dakota political subdivision that is cooperatively implementing the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion comprehensive project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The MFDA works in partnership with the Red River Valley Alliance in a public-private partnership as well as the City of Fargo, City of Moorhead, Cass County, Clay County and the Cass County Joint Water Resource District. More information is available at www.FMDiversion.gov.

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Mahoney

Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney will chair the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Board in 2023.

Peterson

Cass County Commissioner Chad Peterson recently completed his yearlong term as chairman of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Board.

See full press release here