(ABC 6 News) – On Tuesday morning, the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners voted to demolish the historic Rapidan Dam.

The dam broke earlier this year after heavy rains.

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The dam removal is being done with assistance from FEMA and is part of a plan that includes removal of the CSAH 9 bridge using funds from the Federal Highway Emergency Accounts. Blue Earth County officials will also work with the U.S. Army Staff of Engineers to restore the Blue Earth River after the dam removal.

The county will seek state and federal funding to restore the river.

The board also thanked city, state, county and federal officials for their assistance during the dam failure.

Second District Commissioner Vance Stuehrenberg called on local officials to work with experts to improve recreation opportunities along the Blue Earth River once the dam is fully demolished.