Following the devastating Flood of 1997, the City of Grand Forks, ND, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the City of  East Grand Forks, MN embarked on a multi-year, $400 million flood protection project.  The project included the English Coulee Diversion, earthen levees and floodwalls.  AE2S led the Greater Forks Engineering Group through surveying, mapping, legal descriptions, survey certificates, and platting necessary to facilitate the land acquisition process.

AE2S used Geographic Information System information and desktop publishing software to superimpose surveyed lines and proposed structures on high resolution aerial photos to help landowners visualize how proposed property lines related to visible land features.  “Virtual levees” were also generated on digital photos to allow homeowners to visualize the impact of the proposed levee on their view.

AE2S also assembled all of the design data for this project and converted it to the City’s format and state plane coordinate system.  This enabled the City engineering staff to analyze proposed designs and provide timely feedback to the USACE.

Through the unique use of technology, creative thinking, and the extreme client service, this project was successful in every aspect; as well as being under budget and ahead of schedule.