Both projects are interrelated because the flow of the Blue Earth River could further erode the bridge’s support, making a collapse of the bridge likely. Although the bridge only sees about 600 cars a day, it is used by local farmers and truck drivers to transport goods to market.

“We know that inaction poses too great a security and economic risk,” said CEO Kevin Paap.

County Engineer Ryan Thilges said federal aid could be used to demolish and replace the bridge and dam, but additional steps and studies are needed. Officials say it’s too early to say when those projects will happen.

The Rapidan Dam was built in 1910. The facility was operated by the Northern States Power Co. at the time, according to the Blue Earth County Historical Society, and was constructed using a method that was novel at the time. Builders used hollow reinforced concrete to increase the structure’s durability.

The dam was formerly used to generate electricity, but was damaged by a severe flood in 1965. The county took over the dam in 1970 and resumed electricity operations in 1984.

Blue Earth County officials made emergency repairs in 2010 and made additional repairs in 2010 and 2017. But a series of floods and ice damage in 2019 and 2020 forced the county to take the dam offline.