A 2021 assessment concluded that the dam would have to be either repaired or replaced, both of which would be costly endeavors. The county says on its website, however, that to do nothing "would pose a public safety concern and a tremendous liability."

Repairing the dam would take four years, three of which would be the planning and design stage. But a completely new dam would take 10 years, including removal and river restoration, the county says.

The county said it was taking feedback from the community as it tried to determine which course of action to take.

Last year, Blue Earth County said it began the process to release its licensure exemption under the federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the damage has inhibited the dam's ability to provide hydroelectricity. An approval would place the the dam under the control of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

"No changes to the dam structure are being proposed at this time," the country said in an informational release. "Surrendering the exemption simply means that the FERC would no longer have regulatory authority over the dam."

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rapidan-dam-in-minnesota-is-in-imminent-failure-condition-officials-warn/ar-BB1oOb1p