As more cities move to embrace the river and capitalize on its exceptional value, FMR works within metro river communities to ensure that public access, scenic views, historic preservation and environmental quality are respected.
Here are the park plans and developments that our river corridor team has its eye on. Learn more about the program, how we evaluate development plans and all the places we work.
Development and land use updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Twitter) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.
Starting this year, each metro river city and town will update its laws guiding local riverfront development. These updates will be important tools for communities that want to shape the river for years to come.
We’ve pulled together a field guide for this Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance process — complete with briefings, videos, maps, updates for your city and more — to help you stay informed and involved. >>
The City of Minneapolis' top priority this legislative session is securing $20 million for First Avenue's amphitheater at Upper Harbor Terminal. But we still have some basic, important questions about this project — questions that deserve answers before the state invests public dollars. >>
The Wishbone is a proposed new walkway that would cross the river in downtown Minneapolis. We look forward to exploring its environmental and technical considerations, and community dialogue about how this project fits into the city's riverfront park priorities. >>
After polluting on the North Minneapolis riverfront for years, Northern Metals was given a second chance to build a new facility in Becker. However, before that facility was even fully open, a large pile of cars caught fire and burned for five days. We spoke to KSTP News about Northern Metals' history of violations and community harm. >>
Our river corridor director Colleen O'Connor Toberman gave KSTP reporters a tour of Ford Area C to explain why so many in the metro area are calling for thorough cleanup of the toxic riverfront dump site. >>
At a recent community meeting, 150 residents gathered to hear about the history and future of Area C, the Ford Motor Company's hazardous waste pile sitting on the floodplain in St. Paul. Out of the many questions raised, one in particular didn't have a clear answer: Will anyone make Ford clean up its mess on the Mississippi River? >>
Recent news articles in MinnPost and the Star Tribune highlight several concerns being raised about the city of Minneapolis' Upper Harbor Terminal project, including state funding controversy, a rushed planning process, and violations of open meeting law. FMR board member Paul Bauknight and staff member Colleen O'Connor Toberman are interviewed. >>
In this video, we take you to Ford Area C, Ford's toxic riverfront dumpsite in St. Paul. You’ll see the Mississippi lapping at the dumpsite’s edge. What pollution remains there? How much is leaching into our river? We still don’t know enough. >>
While many articles (and even a movie) look back at the life of Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant, not many focus on Area C. In fact, most stories about the Ford plant don't even mention it. So we've put together a basic timeline about this floodplain dumpsite to lend some historical context. >>
All along our great river — from the Upper Harbor Terminal in Minneapolis to Lilydale's river bluffs and beyond — you helped FMR's river corridor program secure equitable river access and important environmental protections. Read about some of our 2019 accomplishments and sign up to join us in 2020. >>