Walz returns to flood-damaged Rapidan Dam, outlines 2025 bonding proposals
In his first public visit to Mankato after his run for vice president, Gov. Tim Walz braved the afternoon cold on Thursday to return to Rapidan Dam and outline his 2025 bonding proposals. His $887 …
In his first public visit to Mankato after his run for vice president, Gov. Tim Walz braved the afternoon cold on Thursday to return to Rapidan Dam and outline his 2025 bonding proposals.
His $887 million pitch includes $10 million for dam recovery efforts after last summer’s catastrophic flooding that resulted in the Blue Earth River carving a route around the debris-clogged dam. The owners of the Dam Store lost their home and the store was removed by the county as the bank eroded.
“Being here in July, standing in this spot right after what the world, certainly the country, but the world saw the horrific impact of that flood and the dam failure, but coming back here, I think for the folks who live here … it’s still a striking sight to look across and there’s no Dam Store,” said Walz, a former Mankato resident, recognizing the sense of community he felt in the aftermath.
Recovery efforts would include restoration on the bank to prevent erosion.
This comes after the Blue Earth County Board approved removal of the dam and replacement of the nearby bridge.
“It’s going to be an ongoing project. We knew it in July, but this is the way you work together,” Walz said.
Blue Earth County Public Works Director Ryan Thilges said the goal is to have the bridge removed from the river channel prior to spring flooding that could potentially happen and cause further damage.
“After the bridge deck is off or nearly off, they’ll follow with removal of the beams,” he said.
Blue Earth County Commissioner Kevin Paap said the county will continue to work together with state and federal agencies during the restoration process.
“As a county commissioner, you learn and understand that working together works and the importance of working together, whether it’s during a natural disaster that we see behind us or just as important after the natural disaster as we move through the next phases,” he said.
Among Mankato projects, Walz is also proposing $68 million for a new Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension facility in Mankato.
His larger plan includes more than $144 million for water and transportation infrastructure, more than $239 million for public safety projects and over $44 million for housing and the environment.
Walz also pitched more than $395 million for maintaining and renewing state facilities. That includes $206 million for Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota to repair and renovate buildings.
Regionally, Minnesota State University’s Armstrong Hall replacement project and South Central College’s instructional lab renovation have both sustained cost increases as local college officials wait to see if lawmakers will pass a bonding bill this year.
The Democratic governor’s proposal comes amid a power struggle in the Minnesota House and as legislators hope to get a bonding bill passed during a traditional budget year after one failed last year.
Walz took time to visit the Mankato Free Press newsroom after his press conference at the dam. He told reporters and editors he’s confident in a bonding bill passing.
“We’re going to get there,” he said.