Similar to the Millfall Dam, the Earthen Dam had been deteriorating for years and leakage was becoming significant. The dam was privately owned and MRPC had to first acquire ownership in order to repair and subsequently maintain the dam.
Ownership was acquired by MRPC and the dam was rehabilitated at the same time as the Millfall Dam. Construction was completed in November of 2018.
The new dam has a concrete wall core and it anchored to the bedrock beneath. There is one stoplog bay and a small gantry for log-lifting.
In early April of 2021, the Millworker’s Staircase, at the east end of the Earthen Dam, was opened to the public. Mississippi River Power Corp. is proud to be part of this exciting project. We’ve opened the dam to the public, creating a connection from the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail, down the new Millworker’s Staircase and onto the island portion of the Riverwalk.