Slow Process To Remove Old Minnesota Dams

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota has hundreds of aging dams that are no longer needed, some in danger of failing.

The dams were built in the early 1900s to run sawmills, make electricity, create lakes and control flooding.

The state Department of Natural Resources has identified about 100 dams that need to be torn down, repaired or modified. And, the agency is working against time as it expects more dam failures like the one in Oronoco earlier this fall.

Minnesota Public Radio News says the DNR receives $2 million a year to work on the dams, so only 17 have been removed and 25 have been modified to improve safety and wildlife habitat.

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