Grand Forks 1997 Flood Recovery: Grand Forks Today
Renewed, Rebuilt, Reborn
Now since its ‘Flood of the Century,’ Grand Forks is smarter, better prepared and thriving.
The city’s population has surpassed its pre-flood level. Economic mileposts such as tax collections, property valuations and building permits are at record levels.
Housing developments and new businesses have relentlessly pushed the city boundaries.
The public school system, hard-hit by the flood but still considered among the best in the country, has improved its facilities and programs.
The University of North Dakota’s enrollment is at record levels and the school’s research and commercialization efforts have rocketed, positioning Grand Forks at the forefront of energy development, health care and unmanned aerial systems.
The once ravaged downtown is alive and vibrant. Restaurant and business icons have returned and been joined by newcomers. Historic structures have been restored. New housing developments, including high-end condominiums, will bring more residents downtown.
The city’s south end has exploded with new housing subdivisions and commercial growth, including a Canadian developer’s $50-million hotel and entertainment complex.
The city’s industrial park, where more than 1,000 jobs have been added in the last two years, continues to flourish with business expansions and the arrival of new companies.
Grand Forks has learned that recovery from a catastrophic disaster is neither quick nor easy. It takes leadership, partnership, patience, faith and people.
Above all else, it is the people who make recovery happen – citizens, business owners, elected officials, government partners, volunteers, disaster-relief workers and politicians.
Because of them, Grand Forks was able to “Keep the Faith” that its city would indeed come back from the brink of disaster – rebuilt, renewed and reborn.
Visit the Grand Forks website for more information
Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 13:04:55 EDT