Dredging operations begin near Brownsville, Minnesota

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), St Paul District, is conducting dredging operations at their Above Brownsville Placement site, also known as "Crater Island," within Pool Eight of the Mississippi River, near Brownsville, Minnesota. The contractor, Legacy Corporation from East Moline, Illinois, plans to move around 50,000 cubic yards (40,000 cubic metres) of river sand from Crater Island and place it at the USACE-owned Brownsville Placement Site, along Highway 26.

USACE river sand managers anticipate the work will last through the end of July. The work includes using heavy equipment and barges to move the river sand.

USACE officials are asking the public to use caution around the area. Additionally, Crater Island will be closed to the public during active work due to safety concerns.

This project is required to restore river sand storage capacity for future dredging needs, which are required to maintain the Mississippi River nine-foot (three-metre) navigation channel. This will ensure a safe, reliable navigation system.