Just upstream from St. Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis is a subterranean concrete "cutoff" wall that stands four stories tall under the river bottom.
Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1870s, the wall helps stabilize the riverbed around the falls and maintain the water levels needed for our drinking water supply.
But the wall's condition was unknown until, urged on by FMR staff and River Guardians, the Minnesota Legislature funded a $1 million dollar study in 2023.
Released in 2026, the study revealed that the wall is in okay condition. But we urgently we need to establish ownership and routine inspections, as we do with all bridges, dams and important infrastructure.
To see the full progression of this isuse over time, our full history of updates is below.
update
A little-known underground wall holds St. Anthony Falls back from a catastrophic collapse that would endanger the Twin Cities' water supply, bridges, and other infrastructure. So why isn't anyone monitoring the wall's condition? FMR board member John Anfinson explained the puzzle in an excellent Star Tribune article. >>
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update
update
In recent weeks, the Army Corps declared its intention to seek a new owner for the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock — a risky plan that could put the future of our river and the water supply for a million Twin Cities residents — into the hands of a private corporation. Join us in advocating for a path forward that protects the public's interest and creates public access. >>
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