Purpose
This project proposes to utilize dredged material generated from navigation channel dredging to protect and restore backwater habitat; this is a win-win-win project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, our partner agencies and the environment. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is the non-federal sponsor.
Location
The project area is located near the head of Lake Pepin in Upper Pool 4 of the Mississippi River, between river mile 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 will utilize 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 four peninsulas, two backwater overwintering areas, access dredging, shoreline protection and a water level management dike that would 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. The Corps and the WDNR finalized the project partnership agreement in August 2021. The Corps completed final design of the project, advertised a contract in July 2022, and expects a construction contract award in fall of 2022.
Authority
This project was initiated under Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, as amended. This project was selected under Section 1122 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which required the Corps 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 WDNR.
Estimated project costs:
Feasibility 204 funds (100%) $938,420
Federal O&M funds (100%) $8,275,000
Federal CG funds (65%) $8,997,000
Non-federal funds (35%) $4,844,000
Total Project Costs $23,094,420