City to hold information sessions on Silver Lake dredging and dam plans
May 22—ROCHESTER — Planned Silver Lake dredging and the possible replacement of the Silver Lake Dam will be the topics of a pair of information sessions in June.
The city announced the sessions on Wednesday as an opportunity for Rochester residents and others to hear from the staff regarding the proposed project, the status of proposals, phasing options and the next steps, if the Rochester City Council approves the projects.
City staff reports the main goals of the combined project are to reduce longterm operation and maintenance costs associated with the existing dam, improve safety and accessibility, provide environmental improvements and enhance recreational opportunities.
In addition to replacing the dam structure and removing sediment from Silver Lake and a portion of the South Fork Zumbro River, the project is expected to create space for a proposed trail connection along the northern lake shore and under the bridge. It could also include the construction of a standalone pedestrian bridge.
The city is reviewing funding options and construction phasing to complete the different portions of the project, which is anticipated to receive nearly $2.4 million in Legacy funding for the proposed $5.5 million dam replacement portion of the project.
The planned information sessions will provide residents an opportunity to submit questions and provide feedback before the City Council is asked to consider acceptance of the state fund and move forward with the proposed projects.
The first public session will be from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on June 5 in Heintz Commons at the RCTC Heintz Center Campus, 1926 Collegeview Road SE.
The second session will be a virtual online session from noon to 1:30 p.m. on June 10. Access to the meeting will be available through the project website at https://tinyurl.com/4z5pamcw .
