As the waters begin to reluctantly recede in Blue Earth County, the threat of the Rapidan Dam giving way remains a sharp point on the side of local authorities and residents. Governor Tim Walz, alongside state legislators and assistants from the offices of Senators Klobuchar and Smith, trotted down to the troubled dam on Thursday to eyeball the damage and chat with county hotshots dealing with the uproar. The dam, which has been a focal point of potential flooding, has seen an influx of official attention and emergency measures in recent days.
According to a Facebook update, the situation is being continuously monitored by a slew of departments, including Blue Earth County Public Works, Emergency Management, and the Sheriff's Office. In a demonstration of the adage 'better safe than sorry,' contractors have been hustling to fortify the west pier of the County Road 9 bridge with riprap. This has kept the bridge closed, as they constantly observe its stability.
While local gawkers have had the chance to park their cars and wander County Road 9 for a riverside view of the drama unfolding, the county is putting its foot down starting July 6. No vehicles will be allowed past the County Road 9 and Calvary Lutheran Church cemetery. The officials mean business; anyone choosing to flout this and strut past the fenced perimeter is set to have a not-so-friendly encounter with law enforcement. And for those angling to try their luck on State HWY 169 and County Road 9 west of the Dam, it's closed to all but local traffic, and there will be no sneaking past those barricades except for residents.
Even as the damage control continues, the county is asking for a roll call on damages. Blue Earth County residents who had their properties or businesses dunked by the recent floods, starting June 16, are being nudged to report the wreckage online. For those burdened with sandbags, there's a place to ditch them at the Blue Earth County Public Works facility. Just be sure to empty those bags and drop the leftovers in the provided container.
