Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, was in Minot on Wednesday for a celebration of sorts.

The senator was here to meet with city representatives to talk about securing $61.5 million in federal funds designated for Minot flood protection.

Sixty-one million dollars is a big deal for a project to protect this city from future floods like the 2011 flood that devastated so many residents’ homes and businesses.

Hoeven had a big hand in working with Shalanda Young, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the St. Paul office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to secure the funds, and that is appreciated.

On Wednesday Hoeven, along with city representatives and Souris River Joint Board members, toured the area where these funds will be put to use.

Phase 4 of the project is now authorized and fully funded, enabling the Corps to move quickly on the Maple Diversion and tie all of the phases of the first milestone together. This, according to project leaders, will give permanent flood protection to 60% of the region’s residents.

As Hoeven said earlier, “This is a big win for the community and will help to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Souris River Valley, as well as the region’s long-term economic stability and growth.”

It’s good news for the area.