Council approves rezoning for Lower Minnesota River Watershed stabilization project

The Eden Prairie City Council on Sept. 2 approved the first reading of an ordinance rezoning 4.2 acres from rural to parks and open space to allow the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District to purchase and stabilize a stretch of the Minnesota River identified as River Mile 19.6. Linda Loomis, administrator of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District, told the council the project is intended to stabilize an actively eroding bend that has migrated over time and has caused loss of bluff and trail. The watershed district said it received a state grant to fund the stabilization work, plans to subdivide and then construct the project, and hopes to bid the project this week with an October award and a December start. Loomis said most required permits are in place; staff still expects to complete city drainage, grading and erosion-control reviews and to obtain a contractor for the construction-stormwater permit. Council members discussed long-term river movement and historical erosion at that location; Loomis said the design aims to stabilize the bank to slow erosion and restore safer public access. Loomis also noted an archaeological review had been completed as part of the Corps of Engineers permitting process. The council voted to close the public hearing and approve the first reading of the rezoning ordinance, enabling the watershed district to proceed with acquisition and the stabilization project.