Minnesota River, November 2024.
Purpose
Erosion on the Minnesota River bank in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is an ongoing issue. Frequent and prolonged high-water events have increased bank overtopping events and water velocities, causing riverbank erosion, sloughing, and overbank breaching, which threaten the integrity of the existing marsh.
Location
The project area is on the right descending bank of Minnesota River between river miles 15 and 16. The project area is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as part of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge near Savage, Minnesota. The project will consist of approximately 1,200 feet of bank stabilization/protection along the Minnesota River at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Description
The project objectives are to restore, protect and maintain the integrity of the Continental Grain Marsh and to restore, protect and maintain the riverbank and riparian plant communities to provide a buffer against future adverse hydrologic conditions (i.e., flooding effects).
Status
Project planning began November 2024. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will plan and design the project with the USFWS. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and local interests are also providing input.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to identify a Tentatively Selected Plan in December 2025 and plans to complete a draft feasibility study and environmental assessment report in spring 2026.
Authority
Congress originally authorized the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program in Section 1103 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, Public Law 99-662 (codified as amended in 33 U.S. Code 652).
Funding
Project design and construction will be 100% federally funded. Operations and maintenance will be 100% federally funded and a responsibility of USFWS.
Federal funds allocated to date: $390,00