Better flood protection for homeowners considered

Homeowners try to find middle ground between protecting their homes and their view.

Engineers are trying to nail down a flood protection plan on one of the last neighborhoods in jeopardy from high waters, and homeowners need to decide which plan they prefer.

What kind of flood protection wall should go up was the main focus of Wednesday's discussion for homeowners between 32nd and 40th Avenues east of University Drive in south Fargo.

Connie Molony says it's a hard decision. She loves the view from her home but she understands people need to be protected from high water and high flood insurance rates.

Connie Molony/Fargo: "It is difficult because we want to see the city safe, but on the other hand, in all the years we have lived there, since 1991, we've only had to sandbag once and it was taken care of very effectively."

Mark Bittner/Fargo City Engineer: "The goal is to protect as many people as possible and that's why we're here. There are easier decisions to be made, but it doesn't protect as many people."

Engineers want a permanent floodwall with no openings, but many homeowners openings that provide a view of the river. There are a couple of options to accommodate that including additional panels on top of a flood wall and large openings that provide a view of the Red River.

FEMA does have some concerns about the openings including access to the wall for closure and seepage issues.

The permanent floodwall proposals range in price from 34 to 37 million dollars. Engineers hope to give their flood recommendation to Fargo city commissioners within six weeks.