Minnesota Point Section 111 Study
Project Status: Planning
Project Overview:
The purpose of the Section 111 program is to determine the effect of Federal navigation structures on the shoreline, and develop plans for the mitigation of shore damages attributable to those structures.
In the Spring of 2020, Mayor Larson requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) assist the City in addressing issues related to the federal structures associated with the navigational components of Minnesota Point (e.g. piers and other infrastructure relating to the use of the Duluth/Superior Harbor) through a congressional authorization of the provisions associated with Section 111 of the River and Harbor Act of 1968. The Section 111 study will identify and quantify any adverse impacts to the shoreline of MN Point from the federal navigation structures at the Duluth-Superior Harbor. The study will include development of plans to mitigate any identified shore damages attributable to those structures.
These issues are not new to MN Point and two previous Section 111 studies (1974 and 2001) identified some level of erosion related to the federal infrastructure on the south end of MN Point (Superior Entry infrastructure). Alternative solutions were provided along with cost estimates, however, no further action was taken to address the recommendations, likely due to a lack of funding.
There is more information available now, which is why the Study is being conducted once again.
Under this program, the US Army Corps is only obligated to fund a mitigation project (e.g. walls, beach nourishment) that address their portion of the problem, and at a maximum $12 million expense. So if the study finds that, for example, 30% of the erosion and other adverse impacts to MN Point are caused by natural forces, as opposed to federal structures, then the City would be responsible for funding 30% of the cost of the recommended mitigation project.
Timeline:
There will be several opportunities over the course of this 2-year Study for the public to receive updates and weigh in on the results of the Study.
In March of 2022, an informational charrette was held with stakeholders. A summary of this event is available here. An update was provided January 13, 2023 via Zoom.
Public review is tentatively expected to take place:
- 50% public review - August 2023
- 100% public review - May 2024
Important Documents:
The staff liaison to the US ACE during the preparation of the Study is Kate Kubiak, Natural Resources Coordinator, who can be reached at 218-580-9150 or kkubiak@duluthmn.gov.
Section 111 Study Informational Website:
https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Coastal-Program/Section-111-Program/
Project Partners:
US Army Corps of Engineers
