2023-11-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

2 Sean Fredricks noted an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Metro Flood Diversion Authority is being drafted and will address the transition from the Rush River and Lower Rush River to the Diversion Channel. Kurt Lysne updated the Board on permitting for the transition between the Rush River and the Diversion Channel. Rush River / Lower Rush River – future bridge replacements Kurt Lysne indicated there are several future bridge replacements on the Rush River and Lower Rush River that will be costly. The Board discussed funding the projects as well as continuing to have funds available for maintenance of the facilities. Jason Benson stated the Cass County Highway Department has secured federal funding for the upcoming Cass County Highway 32 bridge replacement over the Rush River. Mr. Benson said the Cass County Highway Department is completing plans for upcoming projects and will continue to pursue federal and state cost-share funding opportunities, should they become available. Bridge replacement projects within the protected area of the Metro Flood Diversion Project will occur after the Metro Flood Diversion Project is complete as the bridges can then be replaced with smaller infrastructure. Discussion was held on the Rush River / Lower Rush River Master Plan regarding financing the future bridge replacement projects. The Cass County Highway Department will remain in communication with the Water Resource District regarding future bridge replacement projects on the Rush River and Lower Rush River. The Board discussed flattening side slopes on the Rush River to help alleviate spring melt issues related to snow in the facility. The Board directed Moore Engineering, Inc. to evaluate and prepare a preliminary cost estimate for a project to flatten side slopes on the Rush River starting from the Rush River transition to the Metro Flood Diversion Channel and working upstream. Moore Engineering, Inc. will bring the information to a future meeting for further discussion on the proposed project. Drain #29A – washouts in Sections 3 and 4 of Berlin Township Brady Woodard reported the Drain #29A washouts in Sections 3 and 4 of Berlin Township have been repaired and the project is complete. Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) – Rush River Watershed Mr. Lysne updated the Board on the RCPP – Rush River Watershed Plan. A meeting was recently held with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) to discuss the levee alignment as well as operation and maintenance of the project in relation to BNSF property. An Agreement with BNSF will be drafted regarding the matter. Moore Engineering, Inc. continues to work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the Plan. Mr. Lysne said the next steps for the project once the Plan is approved by the NRCS are to secure funding for the project, submit a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) to FEMA, submit an Application to Construct to the North Dakota Department of Water Resources, and acquire right of way for the project. The Cass County Joint Water Resource District can also begin work on formation of the assessment district for the project once the Plan is completed and NRCS has approved funding for project construction.