The Senate Appropriations Committee for Education and Environment convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss critical funding and planning for the South Bismarck Flood Control Project. Mayor Mike Schmidt of Bismarck introduced the session, emphasizing the urgency of the project due to recent FEMA remapping that has placed approximately 1,000 structures, including affordable housing, within the floodplain.

City Engineer Gabe Schell presented the project details, outlining the historical context of flooding in Bismarck and the inadequacies of existing flood control measures. He highlighted the need for improvements to the South Washington Street gate closure structure, which currently lacks pumping capacity and has previously required temporary pumps during flood events.

Schell explained that FEMA's updated risk map indicates significant flood risk for the area, necessitating a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy. The proposed plan includes enhancing the existing drainage system and constructing a new water conveyance system to redirect stormwater away from vulnerable areas. This dual approach aims to achieve FEMA-accredited flood protection and reduce the number of properties within the 100-year floodplain.

The project has received a $50 million grant from FEMA's Flood Mitigation Assistance program, with a total estimated cost of $172 million. The city is seeking an additional $73 million from the state, with $20 million allocated in the current biennium. The local share of $49 million will be funded through various potential sources, including sales tax and utility fees.

Schell noted that the timeline for project completion is set for 2027, with construction expected to begin in earnest by then. The committee members raised concerns about property displacement, to which Schell responded that the city aims to avoid displacing residents by utilizing public land for necessary flood control infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the project’s financial aspects and ensure that the flood mitigation efforts align with community needs while minimizing disruption to residents. The committee expressed support for House Bill 10-20, which is crucial for advancing the flood control initiative.