The U.S. Department of Defense has selected the City of Minot to receive a $9.8 million grant to support the fifth phase of the region’s flood protection project, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, announced Wednesday.

The award, which must be officially accepted by the city, is being made under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), a funding opportunity that Hoeven began advancing following a hearing of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee in May. Hoeven will join city officials on Saturday at a signing ceremony to finalize and formally accept the grant, as well as outline the importance of the funding in advancing permanent flood protection for the region. The Minot City Council will meet at 11 a.m. in City Hall.

“This flood protection project is critical not only to the safety and prosperity of the communities in this region, but also to the efficient operation of the Minot Air Force Base’s two nuclear missions,” Hoeven said. “As such, this DCIP funding is an investment in our national security. That’s the case we made to DoD and other federal agencies when seeking opportunities to fund the future phases of this important project, and we appreciate officials at the City of Minot and the air base for advancing this application and working with us to secure this funding. We look forward to formally accepting and finalizing the grant Saturday in Minot.”

“Flood protection around Minot is a matter of economic and national security. It’s an irreplaceable part of how we keep the region’s communities open, economic opportunities available, and Air Force base fully operational,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND. “Last year I was honored to lead the effort in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to authorize the Souris River Flood Protection Plan, and I am grateful for Senator Hoeven’s fervent leadership in securing funding on behalf of Minot.”