MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – In a new infrastructure plan, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will announce $10 million towards recovery of the Rapidan Dam.
The Governor’s bonding proposal focuses on creating jobs, protecting clean drinking water, and keeping communities safe with investments in a new State Patrol headquarters and funding for flood mitigation and prevention.
Back in August, 2024, the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners voted to remove the Rapidan Dam and the County Road 9 bridge.
In early January, engineers began creating access roads around the bridge for the start of demolition. The plan is to have the bridge fully removed in the next two months, in order to avoid a spring melt for the structure and surrounding area.
Blue Earth County officials say the County Road 9 bridge will be replaced after demolition. It’s expected to start in 2026-2027.
Officials add that it will take years until they demolish the Rapidan Dam. In order to start, the project will need enough funds from FEMA.
The Governor’s bonding proposal focuses on creating jobs, protecting clean drinking water, and keeping communities safe with investments in a new State Patrol headquarters and funding for flood mitigation and prevention.
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