Public Comment Period Open for EAW on the Rapidan Dam Removal Project

Blue Earth County is seeking public comment on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed Rapidan Dam Removal Project in Rapidan Township, Minnesota.

The Rapidan Dam, located on the Blue Earth River in Rapidan Township, was constructed in 1910 to generate electricity for the Mankato area. Over the years, flooding has caused significant damage to the dam, including flooding events in 1965, 2019/2020, and 2024. Electric generation at the facility has ceased.

The proposed project would remove the remaining structures associated with the Rapidan Dam, allow the Blue Earth River to naturally re-establish through the area, and stabilize adjacent lands. The EAW evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the project.

The project area is located within the Blue Earth River watershed and involves 38.63 acres in Section 5, 6, 7, and 8 in Rapidan Township.

Copies of the EAW are available for public review at the Blue Earth County Government Center (2^nd Floor), 410 S 5^th Street, Mankato or at the Blue Earth County Library at 100 E Main Street, Mankato and also available online on the Blue Earth County website at https://www.blueearthcountymn.gov.

The public comment period for the EAW is open through 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Comments may be submitted in the following ways:

1. Email: Send comments to planningandzoning@blueearthcountymn.gov. Provide the subject line “Comments on Rapidan Dam EAW.”

1. Mail: Blue Earth County Planning and Zoning, RE: Rapidan Dam EAW, PO Box 3566, 410 S. 5th Street, Mankato, MN 56002-3566.
2. Public Hearing: Members of the public may also provide comments at a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM.  The hearing will be held at the Blue Earth County Historical Courthouse (2^nd Floor), 204 S 5^th Street, Mankato, MN 56001.  The public hearing provides an additional opportunity for residents and other interested parties to review information about the project and share comments as part of the environmental review process.

Blue Earth County encourages interested residents, property owners, organizations, and other members of the public to review the EAW and submit comments during the public comment period.

For questions or additional information, please contact Blue Earth County Property & Environmental Resources at (507) 304-4251.