Purpose

Determine whether continued operation and ownership of Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1 are in the federal interest, and if not, consider alternatives for disposal of the property.

Location

Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1 are located on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Description

Both locks have been affected by the decrease in the demand for navigation services stemming from the closure of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam on June 9, 2015.

Status

Disposition studies for Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1 started in August 2022. In October 2022, the Corps held meetings with the public, resource agencies and non-governmental agencies to begin the scoping process. A summary of scoping comments received was developed and posted to the project website in May 2023. Baseline conditions and evaluation of the project performance history has been the primary activities completed in fiscal year 2023. Due to funding the previously communicated availability of a draft report in summer of 2024 will not be achieved. A new study completion schedule will be developed upon receipt of federal funds.

As per Section 1168 of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, in addition to considering no action and full deauthorization and disposal of the projects, disposition studies must consider opportunities for ecosystem restoration (full or partial removal) at each dam site. Should the recommendation contain disposal, a local sponsor would need to be identified that is willing to share the cost, of a specifically-authorized feasibility study for additional modifications and uses of the project, and expansion or transfer of authorizations.

If disposal of the properties is not recommended, additional studies may be performed to modify the projects to serve existing or new authorized purposes or for additional uses identified by a potential non-federal sponsor and authorized under a new start feasibility study.

Authority

Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970 allows the Corps of Engineers to study completed projects or their operation when found advisable due to significantly changed physical or economic conditions. Federal property disposal is managed by the General Services Administration as governed by federal law.

Funding

Authorized total study cost is $2,580,000. The study has received $1,315,000 thru fiscal year 2023.  Estimated cost to completion is $1,165,000.