Hoeven Working to Save North Dakota Taxpayers Well Over $300 Million

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, today held a press conference and roundtable to discuss the impact of the funding provisions that he secured in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations legislation, which benefit water supply projects and flood protection in the Red River Valley and will save North Dakota taxpayers more than $300 million in upfront costs and ongoing operating costs. Specifically, Hoeven worked to advance:
“Between the two provisions we passed last week, we are working to save North Dakota taxpayers well over $300 million. The federal ENDAWS project brings real savings to the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, reducing its construction costs by $200 million and saving $4 million in annual operating costs. At the same time, by enabling the Corps to build its share of flood protection more quickly, we have created savings that can be used to reduce the local cost share, with a goal of securing $100 million to $120 million for the local sponsors this year,” said Hoeven. “Under the original model, the federal government would’ve taken the lead on the entire flood protection project for the Red River Valley. This would’ve resulted in delays and cost overruns. Our first-in-the-nation P3 model, along with our work to fully fund the $750 million cost share up front, significantly reduced the federal construction timeline and costs. Our legislation transfers those savings to the local sponsors this year, which will reduce the local cost share and save taxpayer money.”
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