Twin Cities locks and dams

Over the coming years, Twin Citians will face a momentous decision: Should we remove dams on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and St. Paul?

FMR staff and River Guardians are actively engaged in this issue and others surrounding the locks and dams in the metro area. Updates are below.

Congress clarifies future of Upper St. Anthony Falls

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

January 6, 2021

The years-long process to determine the future of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock and dam has had a few interesting twists and turns in recent weeks. Congress has intervened to make sure that future plans are flowing in the right direction. >>

River drawdown offers a look back in time... and a glimpse of the future?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 7, 2020

What did the Mississippi River look like before the locks and dams? For a few days, we got a glimpse near St. Anthony Falls of what a less-encumbered Mississippi might look like if locks and dams are removed. Check out our photos. >>

A new future for the downtown Minneapolis riverfront

May 14, 2020

What could be next for the locks and dams in downtown Minneapolis? We spoke with the Star Tribune about opportunities to get creative about our riverfront's future. >>

Crown Hydro's Minneapolis riverfront project rejected again

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

May 6, 2020

In the latest twist in a 25-year saga, a controversial hydroelectric project in downtown Minneapolis has been rejected yet again. Now the project has no funding, no location and no local government support. Is this the end of the road for Crown Hydro? >>

Thank you, River Guardians!

by Sophie Downey

December 11, 2019

Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >

Locks and dam meetings draw a crowd

by Irene Jones

September 14, 2019

The Army Corps of Engineers is currently considering options to repurpose or maintain the Upper St. Anthony lock. A second part of this same study, beginning next year, will look at removing Lower St. Anthony Falls and the Ford dam. Over 100 people went to the first public input meetings about this study, including us. Missed them? Learn what we learned and weigh in with written comments by October 20. >>

Public meetings scheduled for lock and dam disposition study

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 11, 2019

The Army Corps has scheduled public meetings for August 13 and 19 to discuss the upcoming disposition study for the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. Should it continue to operate? Who should own it? >>