Fargo City Commissioner: "Lawyers and consultants" are pushing to rebuild portions of constructed diversion

(Fargo, ND) -- The FM Flood Diversion could soon see a construction delay, according to a Fargo City Commissioner.

Fargo City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn made the comments on The Flag's Steve Hallstrom show. He discussed problems relating to a possible reconstruction of some pieces of the diversion, surrounding a material he called epoxy covered rebar. The material, which is more resistant to the corrosive effects of salt, is largely used for the construction of bridges and roadways. However, Piepkorn claims "lawyers and consultants" are pushing the builders to rip up existing diversion concrete to replace the current rebar with epoxy covered rebar. The commissioner says the reconstruction is not only unnecessary, but could be motivated by profit. 

"We are halfway through the project, we are making good pace and its getting closer to the end of the project. I believe there is some people who want to continue making money when their use is being rapidly diminished," said Piepkorn on the Steve Hallstrom Show. 

The discussion occurred surrounding the sudden resignation of Joel Paulsen, the Flood Diversion Executive Director. Piepkorn says he is still looking for an explanation as to why Paulsen left with little to no warning to most of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority.