Minnehaha Creek FEMA Repairs
Overview
In coordination with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the City of Minneapolis, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) leveraged Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) money to repair nine flood damage sites along Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis. These flood repair projects served as a precursor to and helped inform the MPRB’s Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Master Plan.
In 2014, the Twin Cities saw the wettest first half of the year on record since recordkeeping began in 1871, including over 11 inches of rain in June 2014. Coupled with a long winter and late snowmelt, this extreme precipitation led to a record flow on Minnehaha Creek and prolonged flooding throughout most of the spring and summer. In fall of 2014, MCWD completed a flood damage assessment of Minnehaha Creek. FEMA issued a statewide declaration of emergency which allowed MCWD to apply for and receive FEMA funding to repair flood damage along Minnehaha Creek.
Project Timeline
Planning Phase
Planning Phase
November 2014 — Damages of record-breaking flooding assessed by MCWD
December 2015 — 2014 Flood Assessment Report Published
2017 — Partnership created between MCWD, FEMA, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Design Phase
Design Phase
May 2018 — FEMA repairs design started
July 2018 — FEMA repairs design completed
Construction Phase
Construction Phase
January 2019 — Construction of the FEMA repairs started
January 2020 — Construction of the FEMA repairs completed
Project completion
Project Completion
January 2020 – FEMA flood repair project completed
By the Numbers
500
feet
of streambank repaired
>100
trees & Shrubs
planted
2
trail sections
along minnehaha creek repaired
1
access
to minnehaha falls repaired
Project Highlights
- Over 500 feet of streambank habitat restored
- Trees and shrubs planted along the creek
- Community garden installed
- Restored trails
- Restored creek access
Partnership
The City of Minneapolis, MPRB, and MCWD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2017 to coordinate and leverage investments in a way that would achieve the goals of the three agencies, including repairing erosion caused by flood damage, improving water quality in Minnehaha Creek, and improving public access to Minnehaha Creek.
The Minnehaha Creek FEMA Flood Repair Project was coordinated with the City of Minneapolis’ Southwest Harriet Flood Study, the MPRB’s Southwest Service Area Master Plan, and the MPRB’s Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Master Plan.
Funding
Project Cost: $215,000
Funding for the Minnehaha Creek FEMA Flood Repair Project was provided by FEMA and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
