Mayor Mahoney Takes Lead on MFDA Board

January 9, 2026

Mayor Mahoney Takes Lead on MFDA Board

FARGO, ND (January 9, 2025) - Leadership of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority's Board recently changed with the new year. Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney will serve as Board chairman in 2026, taking the place of Cass County Commissioner Tony Grindberg, who chaired the Board in 2025. The Board oversees the FM Area Diversion project.

"It's an honor to once again serve as chairman of the MFDA Board and to continue the work of protecting our region from future flooding," Mahoney said. "This project has been decades in the making, and with major construction nearing completion, we are closer than ever to delivering permanent flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead community."

This is Mahoney's fourth time as MFDA Board chairman; the role rotates between the Fargo mayor, Moorhead mayor and Cass County Commission chairperson. Mahoney has been working toward permanent flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead area since the FM Area Diversion was merely a concept in 2008, when he served as Fargo's deputy mayor.

Mahoney replaces Grindberg, who will continue to serve on the Board as well as its Finance and Planning committees.

"It was an exciting year for the FM Area Diversion project, and I'm humbled at having the opportunity to help lead this landmark project," Grindberg said. "Major construction surpassed the 80% mark in 2025 - an astounding accomplishment after many years of hard work and negotiation. I'm looking forward to continuing to serve on the Board as we make the transition from construction to operations and maintenance in 2026."

During his time as chairman, the FM Area Diversion project saw significant construction progress. Fourteen of the 19 crossings over the 30-mile stormwater diversion channel are now open to traffic, the three control structures are nearly completed, and the two aqueducts have taken shape. All major construction is expected to wrap up in 2026, after which components will be maintained and the grounds managed so that the project remains ready to operate when needed.

During the MFDA Board's annual meeting on Thursday, Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, who last served as Board chairwoman in 2024, was appointed to serve as the Board's vice chairperson.

The MFDA Board is led by 13 members who represent stakeholder entities of the FM Area Diversion project, which will provide permanent flood protection to Fargo, North Dakota; Moorhead, Minnesota; and surrounding communities. Board members are appointed by the Fargo City Commission, Moorhead City Council, Cass County Commission, Clay County Commission, Cass County Joint Water Resource District, and the West Fargo City Commission.

About the Metro Flood Diversion Authority

The MFDA is a permanent North Dakota political subdivision that is cooperatively implementing the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion comprehensive project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The MFDA works in partnership with the Red River Valley Alliance in a public-private partnership as well as the City of Fargo, City of Moorhead, Cass County, Clay County and the Cass County Joint Water Resource District. More information is available at https://www.FMDiversion.gov.