State bonding bill passed, Lake Bronson dam funded

By Enterprise Staff
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned last week after finally voting through a $2 billion state bonding bill, which included $18 million dedicated to reconstructing the Lake Bronson Dam.
According to the Revisor of Statutes website, the House approved the bonding bill on Wednesday, Oct. 14 and turned it over to the Senate, which approved the bill on Thursday, Oct. 15.
The final approved bill states $20 million is set aside for publicly owned dam renovation, repair and removal.
Specifically, “at least $18 million” will be used to reconstruct the Lake Bronson Dam, which is owned by the state. The Lake Bronson Dam is the No. 1 concern on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ dam safety program, and has been for years. It has been classified as a high-hazard dam since the early 2000s after an impact study showed a break would cause loss of life.
The dam has gone through several patch-work projects over the last several decades to help relieve pressure on the aging structure. It was built during the Great Depression through the Works Progress Administration.