Agenda - Council - 09/26/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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improvements, hydropower generation, lock and enhanced recreational opportunities, to the MN Management and Budget. And the proj ect's status was updated to Final Submitted in the Capital Budget System. On Wednesday, September 13, the Capital Investment Committee Legislative Bus Tour stopped at the Anoka Dam to learn more about the project. DISCUSSION The Anoka Rum River Dam is a major asset to the City of Anoka and the north metropolitan region with the recreational pool extending over six miles upstream, thus benefiting multiple communities within Anoka County. Recreational opportunities will be further enhanced through the proposed dam modifications as it will re-establish the connection from the upper pool of the Rum River to the Mississippi River. The Anoka Rum River Dam Reconstruction and Modification Project includes installation of automated crest gates, maintenance platform, hydropower, lock system, and other recreational activities to include river surfing below the dam. The proposed modification includes the following goals and objectives: • Safety and Operations: o Replace manually installed flashboards with an automated crest gates o Construct a maintenance platform spanning the river to assist with deadfall/debris removal • Energy: o Hydroelectric power generation benefit to local residents by reducing peak power usage across entire power grid o Aligns with Minnesota's ultimate goal of producing 100% of its electricity from green energy sources by the year 2040 o Power generation without adverse environmental impacts Ecology: o Fish bypass to connect the Rum River to the Mississippi River supports the spawning needs of native fish and increases habitat • Recreation: o Convert the spillway into a lock to allow passage of small watercraft expanding boating access to the Wild and Scenic Rum River o Create a standing wave below the dam to allow for river surfing enhancing Anoka's tourism o Establish a cross river trail as a secondary purpose for the maintenance platform benefiting Anoka's recreational trail system • Water level management: o Enable active water level management in consultation with DNR to help minimize flooding, benefit particular species, and respond to mounting climate extremes As part of the application process the local agency is required to submit a signed resolution stating the agency is requesting funding from the State of Minnesota; and if funding is provided, the local agency will complete the project as scheduled.