Executive Director Jason Benson updated the Metro Flood Diversion Authority board June 26 on Minnesota funding, the authority’s audit and a planned board retreat.

Benson said the Minnesota legislature passed a $700 million bonding bill but allocated only $9 million statewide for flood-control projects; the authority does not yet know how the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will distribute those funds and staff are “hopeful that we're going to get somewhere in that $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 for our projects.”

Benson also announced a board retreat set for Sept. 16 (afternoon session) to revisit a governance policy that has been under development. He said the Eide Bailly audit included no significant findings and described the authority’s finances as being “in order.”

Benson invited questions and said former staff (Jody) will remain available on an hourly basis during a handoff to the newly hired lands director, Justin Fisher, who will assume responsibilities over the next month as contracts transition.

Board members did not raise substantive questions following the update.