Williston City Commission Approves Federal Advocacy Support for Levee Project

The Williston City Commission has approved a one-year professional services agreement with Nexxus Consulting to help the city manage federal coordination tied to the future of the Williston levee.

The decision comes after updated federal flood-risk modeling showed higher Missouri River levels caused by natural changes in the river system.

Based on that new data, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advised the city that the levee—rebuilt after the 2011 flood to the standards in place at the time—no longer meets current FEMA requirements for flood-protection accreditation.

Losing that accreditation could have sweeping consequences. Between 400 and 500 homes currently shown as protected by the levee could be reclassified on new federal flood maps. Such a change may trigger mandatory flood-insurance requirements, raise premiums, and influence both existing mortgages and future loan obligations.

City officials say the ripple effects would extend beyond homeowners, potentially affecting businesses, economic development, and long-term property values across the community.

Williston leaders say the City’s goal is to work proactively with federal partners to secure long-term solutions, protect public infrastructure, and minimize future impacts on residents and businesses.

Nexxus Consulting will help the city navigate communication and coordination with Congress, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and FEMA. That work includes pursuing federal authorization, identifying potential funding opportunities, and seeking temporary regulatory flexibility while permanent measures are developed.

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The agreement with Nexxus is structured as a one-year contract at $7,500 per month and includes a 30-day termination clause. Although the process to address federal flood-protection requirements is expected to span multiple years, the City plans to pursue reimbursement of eligible costs as the work moves forward.