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.

Corps study to determine local locks and dams' fate, but questions abound

by Irene Jones

August 15, 2018

There was no shortage of good questions at a recent meeting Army Corps of Engineers' lock and dam disposition study. However, some of the answers left attendees asking for a more robust process for figuring out what to do with our local locks and dams. >>

Future of Mpls. locks and dams uncertain — Public meetings July 16 & 17

by Irene Jones

June 14, 2018

Will we stay the course or are rapids on the horizon? The Army Corps of Engineers is studying its options for the Minneapolis locks and dams and holding public meetings in Minneapolis and St. Paul on this topic July 16 and 17. >>

Albert Bierstadt's "The Falls of St. Anthony" (detail)

FMR statement on the endangered Mississippi river gorge (2018)

April 9, 2018

Is it time to remove dams from the Mississippi river gorge?

by Irene Jones

April 9, 2018

Dam removal discussions are ramping up in the Twin Cities, and for good reason. Just as the Army Corps of Engineers embarks on a study to determine future ownership and operation of the locks and dams in Minneapolis and St. Paul, our local Mississippi river gorge was named to the 2018 list of American Rivers "10 Most Endangered Rivers."

Learn more, including FMR's position and recent media coverage. >>

Ford Dam below the Ford Bridge in St. Paul

Unlocking the future of St. Anthony Falls

by Irene Jones

February 14, 2017

Big ideas are bubbling up to transform the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock in downtown Minneapolis site. Closed to navigation in June 2015, the lock could become the centerpiece of the vibrant riverfront park and neighborhood that surrounds it.