BLUE EARTH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HEAR PROPOSAL FOR DAM REMOVAL, COST ESTIMATES

Blue Earth County Commissioners heard a presentation prepared by Barr Engineering company that included preliminary cost estimates, schedules, design tasks and more for the removal of the Rapidan Dam and stabilization of the Blue Earth River.  Cost estimates are $88.65-million including contingencies and that includes dam removal and the necessary stabilization of the river channel following dam removal.  A preliminary schedule for dam removal was presented but the dates remain subject to circumstances like funding and regulatory permitting.  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.