Targeted Mississippi River Bank Stabilization Focused On Bioengineering - Round 2

Eroding river banks contribute to the Mississippi River's TSS and turbidity impairments through direct loading of sediment and nutrients that degrade overall water quality as well as aquatic and nearshore habitat. Inventories assessing bank conditions were completed along 13.3 miles of the Mississippi River from the Coon Rapids Dam to Anoka County's western edge. These inventories identified 12,569 linear feet of river bank with severe to very severe erosion. Cumulatively, these sites contribute 10,368 tons of sediment annually to the river.

Thanks to a FY 2017 Clean Water Fund grant we have begun to address active bank erosion throughout this stretch of river. A targeted mailing to 60 landowners of properties with severe erosion resulted in interest from over 30 landowners. Site visits confirmed the majority of properties need assistance with bank stabilization. The FY 2017 funding is estimated to assist up to five properties.

Therefore, both significant stretches of erosion and landowner interest remain, warranting the pursuit of additional funding. We seek to continue the momentum created with the FY 2017 funds and are requesting funds to assist up to five additional properties with severely eroding river banks. Project sites will be prioritized and selected based on severity of erosion, accessibility to the site, and proximity to other stabilization projects.

This project will stabilize approximately 500 linear feet of Mississippi River bank. The project designs will use bioengineering techniques whenever possible to create thriving near-shore habitat, naturalize the riparian zone, and complement the recently updated Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) rules. This project will result in the reduction of up to 2,000,000 lbs-TSS and 1,000 lbs-TP over the ten-year lifespan of the projects. To complete this work, we are requesting $236,000 in grant funds, which will be matched by $59,000 in local funds.