Austin Erickson’s interview with City of Fargo Assistant Engineer Nathan Boerboom
FARGO, N.D. – The City of Fargo is creating a 100 million gallon stormwater retention pond along 52nd Avenue near 47th Street South called Lake Fargo with plans for recreation in the area.
Two-thousand-three-hundred acres is under construction for the pond near a housing development in the area. The city says the work will cost $18 million paid for by special assessments by homeowners. The project is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.
Previously the city would have had each development make their own retention pond.
“We’re anticipating by doing this large concept, this large centralized pond, we’re going to be saving future taxpayers $16 million,” City of Fargo Assistant City Engineer Nathan Boerboom said.
Lake Fargo is expected to help keep streets clear from rising water.
“It makes sure we have capacity in our storm sewer system during large rainfall events to make sure that we minimize and hopefully eliminate street flooding. We want to also improve water quality of the stormwater runoff or snowmelt coming off the streets before it gets into the Red River,” Boerboom said.
The city expects two million cubic yards of clay to be moved during construction. It will be saved to use during future projects.
The city is working with the Fargo Park District to possibly turn 160 acres into walking paths and a three mile bike path complete with native grass. Other possibilities for the area include canoeing, kayaking, playgrounds, disc golf and sustainable fishing.
