We're still close to critical. This time, levees in Fargo have been raised to 39 feet, almost two feet higher than the expected flood crest. This time, many homeowners began sandbagging at the first threat of flooding. No Chances in Grand Forks Seventy miles downriver in Grand Forks, the protective dikes are being built to 54 feet, though some people, such as Roxanne Benson, are taking no chances. Four years ago, Benson's antique shop was one of hundreds of homes and businesses that were destroyed when the river rose to a record 54 feet.
Officials say they learned valuable lessons from that disaster.
East Grand Forks has added a metal wall to protect its downtown. But after the '97 flood, the government bought out 800 homes here and tore them down. Ths website is designed and maintained in cooperation with HelpForMyWebsite.