Minnesota Dam and Bridge Set for Demolition

The Rapidan Dam and its adjacent County Road 9 Bridge in southern Minnesota will be razed and replaced after its near collapse, officials said Tuesday. The structures in Blue Earth County, located about 80 miles south of Minneapolis, were battered by severe rain in late June and early July; floodwaters formed a new river channel around the dam, while the sediment washout has compromised the bridge's sandstone-supported piers. The decision by the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners initiates what will likely be yearslong rebuild.

Concerns about farm logistics are paramount due to the bridge's closure. Blue Earth County spokesperson Jessica Anderson highlighted the impending fall harvest and the heavy use of the bridge by farmers, acknowledging the inconvenience while stressing that "safety has been our priority from day one." Commissioner Vance Stuehrenberg noted detours could extend farmers' travel time by up to 45 minutes to reach their fields.

Cost estimates for the project are unclear, with previous studies suggesting up to $82 million for dam removal, though Anderson noted environmental conditions have been altered since that 2021 estimate. Securing funding from state and federal sources is the next step, with cooperation anticipated from agencies like FEMA. The local area is already under a federal disaster declaration. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)