Corps of Engineers to host open houses to gather comments on future of two Twin Cities locks and dams

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is hosting four public open house events to obtain input on the future of both Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, and Lock and Dam 1. The projects are located on the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.  

Corps of Engineers staff are exploring options for these two sites since the closure of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam in 2015 significantly reduced their use for navigation. The study will help staff look at a variety of options for these sites to include no changes and de-authorization by Congress of the Corps’ federal navigation missions at these sites.

The upcoming events are:

• Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6-8 p.m. | Highland Park Middle School, 975 Snelling Ave S, St. Paul
• Friday, Oct. 14, 2-6 p.m. | Lock and Dam 1, 5000 W River Parkway, Minneapolis
• Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Lock and Dam 1, 5000 W River Parkway, Minneapolis
• Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m. | Dowling Elementary School, 3900 W River Parkway, Minneapolis

Attendees at the open house events will have the opportunity to learn more about the study and the Corps of Engineers’ process to evaluate options. Attendees will also be able to provide official comments and stakeholders may express their interest in owning any of the structures. This study is expected to take at least 2 years to complete. Once complete, the St. Paul District will provide a recommendation to Congress after fully evaluating all alternatives.

Comments concerning the scope of the study may also be submitted to: District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, ATTN: Regional Planning and Environment Division North, 332 Minnesota Street, Suite E1500, St. Paul, MN 55101, or by email to MplsLocksDisposition@usace.army.mil. Additional information can be viewed at: http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/MplsLocksDisposition/.

The meeting venues are wheelchair accessible. If you need interpretive services, please call 651-290-5030 or email MplsLocksDisposition@usace.army.mil by Oct. 4.

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