The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, released its Lower St. Anthony Falls and Lock and Dam 1 scoping summary for the Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, and Lock and Dam 1 disposition study today, May 10. The document summarizes the scoping activities undertaken, issues, potential alternatives and information identified during the scoping period in 2022.    

The scoping process is a part of a disposition study to determine whether it’s in the federal interest to continue ownership of the two Minneapolis locks and dams and the maintenance associated Mississippi River navigation channel between the lock sites. Corps officials anticipate the study will include an Environmental Assessment in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. 

Scoping comments received during the process include issues and concerns focused on the ecosystem, dam removal, scope of the study, navigation, hydropower, recreation, communications, ownership, infrastructure and Indigenous Nations.

The scoping comments will help inform the study as Corps officials develop a recommendation to Congress no sooner than 2025. Additionally, the study will explore combinations of alternatives for de-authorization and disposal, including full or partial disposal of the locks and dams, modifications and removal.

The Scoping Summary and other information about the study can be found on the website here: https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/LSAF/ .  Questions on the project can be submitted to MplsLocksDisposition@usace.army.mil. Please address all correspondence on this project, to District Commander, St. Paul District, Corps of Engineers, ATTN:  Regional Planning and Environment Division North, 332 Minnesota St, Suite E1500, St. Paul, MN 55101.                                                                                         

Original source can be found here.