This project utilizes dredged material generated from the navigation channel to protect and restore backwater habitat; this is a win-win project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), our partner agencies, and the environment. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is the nonfederal sponsor of this project.

Location

The project area is located near the head of Lake Pepin in Upper Pool 4 of the Mississippi River, between river miles 780 and 792 in the backwater complexes adjacent to the main channel. The nearest community is Bay City, Wisconsin.

Description

Sedimentation and sediment resuspension caused a loss in water depth diversity of the backwater lakes and isolated wetlands above Lake Pepin as well as a loss in aquatic vegetation. Concerns over habitat deficiencies in Upper Pool 4 include reduced habitat diversity and quality, lack of aquatic vegetation and invertebrates, and reduced abundance of fish and wildlife.

The project utilizes dredged material generated from navigation channel dredging in Lower Pool 4 to improve the ecosystem at the head of Lake Pepin. The operations and maintenance (O&M) program will pay up to the typical cost of dredged material disposal (100% federal) for any dredged material used. The project includes three peninsulas, two backwater overwintering areas, access dredging, shoreline protection and a water level management dike that create a range of habitat types for fish and wildlife.

Status

The Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance requested a feasibility study in December 2015. The feasibility study was initiated in 2017 and completed in August 2020. USACE and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources finalized the project partnership agreement in August 2021. USACE completed a final design and awarded a construction contract in 2022. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 2023, with construction beginning in August 2023. Construction is currently 50% complete, with completion slated for October 2025.

Authority

The project was initiated under Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, as amended. The project was selected under Section 1122 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which required USACE to establish a pilot program to recommend ten projects for the beneficial use of dredged material.

Funding

The design and implementation phases of the project will be cost-shared using funding from O&M, Section 1122, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Section 204 feasibility study funds (100%) $938,420

Federal O&M funds (100%) $8,275,000

Federal construction (general) funds (65%) $8,281,000

Nonfederal funds (35%) $4,459,050

Total Project Costs $21,953,470