A project to stabilize the eroding banks of the Minnesota River in Shakopee has received $3.5 million in federal funding.
Representatives from the city, Scott County, Three Rivers Park District and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community met earlier this month on the riverbank with Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who represents the area and pushed for the federal funding.
Officials pointed out a manhole covering an exposed stormwater tank — once firmly planted in Huber Park on solid ground — that is now underwater because the banks of the river have worn away over several decades.
The federal funding was provided as one of Craig's submissions for the federal omnibus bill, which was signed into law earlier this year, according to David McGonigal, a spokesperson for the congresswoman.
"I'm really proud of how this community and this project came together," Craig said.
The award is about half of what the first phase of a stabilization project will cost, according to Shakopee city officials.
The officials estimated that the entire riverbank stabilization project, along with plans to create trails and a cultural corridor near the river to celebrate the area's history as an important transportation hub and meeting place, will cost $12.5 million.
Officials are still trying to determine the exact cost of the multi-phase project, said Steve Lillehaug, city engineer and public works director. Officials also said they are hopeful that the Legislature will provide additional funding for the project in this session's bonding bill.
