MASON CITY – City officials are seeking to reduce or remove altogether three dams on the Winnebago River in Mason City that have been known to cause problems and almost cost people their lives.
Presently, the city is seeking a $20,000 state grant for a dam mitigation study. City officials say that mitigating or removing low head dams would “increase safety and recreational opportunities”. They say the three low head dams on the Winnebago River in town are “known as safety hazards”. Removal of the three dams (versus mitigation) would be a larger undertaking and cost more, but would “significantly benefit the city”.
If the $20,000 grant is approved, the city would need to match, up to a total of $40,000.
Folks using the Winnebago River in town and encountering dams have from time to time encountered dangerous situations. In April of this year, persons using kayaks became trapped at a dam on 12th Street. Emergency responders were called to the scene to pull them to safety.
