Fargo consolidates three lift-station projects, trims scope and cost to $4.3 million

The Metro Flood Diversion Authority Finance Committee on June 25 approved a City of Fargo program amendment to consolidate three lift-station projects into one rehabilitation package with an estimated cost of $4.3 million, down from an earlier estimate of about $13.5 million for full replacements.

Chris Bockergard, engineer for the Diversion Authority, summarized the city’s analysis and recommendation: the City of Fargo’s consultants determined the existing system had adequate storage capacity and that rehabilitation — replacing pumps and upgrading systems — would avoid induced flooding and remove the need for full station replacement. "So we're now recommending that we both consolidate these projects from 2 separate projects into 1 to do all 3 lift stations and then reduce the scope from replacement to rehabilitation with an estimated cost of about 4,300,000.0," Bockergard said.

Committee members asked for cost context. Bockergard reiterated the net effect: the combined estimate dropped from roughly $13.5 million to about $4.3 million. The committee approved the amendment by roll call vote.

The change was presented under the Diversion Authority’s agreement with the City of Fargo that calls for bringing city plan changes to the board; staff said the savings reduce program costs without changing the project's flood-protection intent.