ROCHESTER, Minn. — The City of Rochester announced a delay in the Silver Lake Dam Modification and Sediment Removal Project, initially set for November 2025, now rescheduled for September 2026.

State and federal permitting delays have prompted this shift. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) is conducting a detailed review due to the project's unique recreational wave pool feature, a first in Minnesota. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is also experiencing staffing shortages, further extending review times.

The project was originally planned for winter to minimize costs and disruption, but the new timeline ensures a more cost-effective process. City officials say the delay will not affect current dam operations or flood control capacity.

The City will continue

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