FARGO, N.D. — A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for a $2.1 billion Red River diversion project in the Fargo and Moorhead, Minnesota, metropolitan area.

The project partnership agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority clears the way for construction to begin on the 30-mile channel.

The diversion is meant to reduce the flood risk for 225,000 people and 70 square miles of infrastructure. The area has dealt with major floods several times in the last decade.

Diversion authority chairman Darrel Vanyo, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney and Moorhead Mayor Del Rae Williams are expected to sign the deal, along with a representative of the corps.

The ceremony is scheduled for noon Monday at the Fargo Community Theater.