March 28, 2024

Plans to remove 2 dams in Fort Dodge delayed

FORT DODGE (AP) — Concerns raised by the State Historic Preservation Office have delayed plans for removing two dams spanning the Des Moines River in Fort Dodge.

The Messenger reports that the Fort Dodge City Council was scheduled to award contracts Monday for removing the Hydroelectric Dam and what's commonly called the Little Dam. But the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers told the city's consulting engineer earlier in the day that permits for the removals wouldn't be issued because of the preservation office's concerns.

The engineer, Wade Greiman, told the council that he and city staffers will meet with officials from the preservation office and the Corps later this week to learn more about the concerns.