Blue Earth County Board Hears Rapidan Dam Removal and River Restoration Update and Preliminary Cost Estimates Tuesday

At Tuesday’s Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners Work Session, a presentation, prepared by Barr Engineering Co., included preliminary cost estimates, schedules, design tasks, and more for the removal of the Rapidan Dam and stabilization of the Blue Earth River.

Removal of the Rapidan Dam is a multi-year process.  A preliminary schedule was presented, but the dates remain subject to circumstances such as funding and regulatory permitting.

The information presented estimates the total project cost at $88.65 million, including contingencies. The estimate includes costs for removal of the dam and necessary stabilization of the river channel following dam removal.

County Board Chair Kip Bruender expressed concern but reaffirmed the County’s commitment to proceed with the removal project.

“Blue Earth County remains committed to removing the dam to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the area” said Bruender. “We’ll work closely with our governmental partners to explore all available options.”

Barr Engineering presented potential cost saving alternative approaches the County Board will discuss including optimizing earthwork, constructing the County Road 9 bridge after dam removal, doing a partial dam removal, or eliminating the County Road 9 bridge replacement.

The Commissioners and staff will now begin a comprehensive review of the estimate and investigate options and potential sources of funding, including assistance from federal and state resources.

“This is another step in a long process. We need to be deliberate in our planning, and aggressive in our pursuit of federal and state support,” said Bob Meyer, County Administrator.

Barr Engineering Co.’s report to the County Board is posted on the County’s website.

For more information, visit www.blueearthcountymn.gov/rapidandam.