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 spring 2025. The current schedule and project status would allow for the solicitation of a construction contract in fiscal year 2025, but that is pending the district receiving necessary funds to award a construction contract.
The St. Paul District is also currently evaluating other options for sediment excavation of the low-flow channel due to limited on-site space for material disposal. The current plan is to use the district’s Maintenance and Repair staff to complete the excavation work. The schedule for completing the work is still being determined but is also pending the district receiving necessary funds to complete the work.
The electrical repairs are scheduled to be awarded to an electrical contractor in spring 2025, with work to be completed in spring/summer 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.