Support the Timberjay by making a donation.

Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

‘A great day for the city of Tower’

Historic Harbor Renaissance officially begins with ceremony

Aloysia Power
Posted 10/29/14

TOWER – The river dredging portion of the Tower Historic Harbor Renaissance project has begun. The tug boat and barge waited in the waters of the East Two River as Marine Tech construction workers …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

‘A great day for the city of Tower’

Historic Harbor Renaissance officially begins with ceremony

Posted

TOWER – The river dredging portion of the Tower Historic Harbor Renaissance project has begun. The tug boat and barge waited in the waters of the East Two River as Marine Tech construction workers put on their hard hats as of Wednesday morning.

A group of about 60 people gathered along the river’s edge in Tower to celebrate the momentous groundbreaking event. Among them was State Rep. Dave Dill.

“We will see one of the most unique developments in Minnesota on one of the most unique lakes,” said Dill. “The vision that we had is what will prevail.”

Tower Mayor Steve Abrahamson, thanked all the people who have supported the harbor project, including the pertaining state agencies, the city council and clerks, state representatives, late Congressman James Oberstar, and Short Elliot Hendrickson engineers.

“It’s a great day for the city of Tower,” said Abrahamson. “Thanks for your patience.”

It’s been over a decade since the harbor project came into shape, and now it’s entering its second stage out of three.

“Minus the blanket of snow and Santa standing next to me, it couldn’t feel anymore like Christmas morning,” said councilman Josh Carlson.

“It feels like you’re opening a new road into the city of Tower.”

From now until Thanksgiving, the barge and amphibious back hoe will scoop out the shallow areas of the river. After this portion of the project is complete, Marine Tech will dredge the harbor area, estimated to finish by early January.

In total, the project will cost $650,000. The city will cover $50,000 while the other $350,000 will be sought from the IRRRB Economic Development grant.

To keep people updated on the dredging progress, the city of Tower planted a camera on a lamppost on the river bridge. Its footage will be posted on the Tower Facebook page.