Purpose

The Chippewa Diversion structure redirect flows from the Chippewa River to the Minnesota River via the Lac qui Parle embankment dam. The structure includes one Tainter gate and a low-flow culvert with sluice gate. The site also includes a low-flow channel. Maintenance is required once the Tainter gate, concrete gate structure, electrical components and low-flow channel are complete.

Location

The Chippewa Diversion is located on the Chippewa River in Watson, Minnesota, approximately 4 miles east of the Lac qui Parle Dam.

Description

The Chippewa Diversion requires routine maintenance activities that include sandblasting and painting of the Tainter gate, concrete repairs to the diversion structure, electrical repairs and upgrades, and excavation of accumulated sediment in the low-flow channel.

Status

The St. Paul District is currently preparing the plans and specifications for the concrete repairs and gate painting activities, with expected completion in fall 2025. Construction completion is pending the district receiving necessary funds to award a construction contract.

The St. Paul District is also currently preparing plans and specifications for sediment excavation of the low-flow channel, with an expected completion in fall 2025. The excavation work will be completed by the district’s maintenance and repair staff. Excavation completion is dependent on the district receiving necessary funds for maintenance and repair to complete the work.

The electrical repairs are scheduled to be awarded to an electrical contractor in fall 2025, with work to be completed in fall/winter of 2025

Authority

The dam is part of the Lac qui Parle Project authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936 (Public Law 74-738).

Funding

This is a 100% federally funded project. The St. Paul District received $1.35 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in fiscal year 2022. An additional $2.9 million will be required to award construction contracts for all four maintenance activities.