Rep. Zack Stephenson Welcomes House Capital Investment Tour to District, Advocates for State Funding for Rum River Dam Project
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Representative Zack Stephenson (DFL–Coon Rapids) hosted the House Capital Investment Committee during their 2023 Bonding Tour at the Rum River Dam in the city of Anoka.
The committee is touring sites for proposed capital investment throughout the state. The City of Anoka is proposing $11.95 million in modifications to the dam, which would include operation and safety improvements, hydroelectric power generation, river surfing, a lock or boat portage system, fish passage, and enhanced environmental benefits.
Representative Zack Stephenson released the following statement following the Capital Investment Committee’s visit:
“The Rum River Dam is a major asset to our district, and preserving and improving this dam will help our region’s economy, the environment, and improve safety. Whether it’s increasing hydroelectric power generation, supporting the growing river surfing industry to help with tourism, or simply improving our ability to respond to flooding and erosion, I will be working in the legislature to ensure this project is considered in our next bonding bill.”
In 2023, Representative Stephenson secured $500,000 in funding for a feasibility study related to the project, including funds for design, engineering, and environmental analysis.
PHOTO: Representative Zack Stephenson (DFL–Coon Rapids) addresses members of the House Capital Investment Committee at the Rum River Dam in Anoka.
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