DNR says Lock and Dam 5 invasive carp deterrent design on track, construction targeted for 2027–28

Kelly Pennington, invasive species unit supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, told the Legacy Finance Committee the department has contracted with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design a selective invasive carp deterrent for Lock and Dam 5 on the Mississippi River.

Pennington said the Corps is finishing an initial design stage this summer and that the full deterrent design is expected by February 2027, which would allow permitting and contractor planning ahead of construction during the 2027–28 window. She said the appropriation—$12,000,000 received in July 2024—is available through June 2029.

The DNR official said the interagency technical team scoped deterrent criteria, considered options based on Corps assessments, and selected a deterrent type. Pennington added the department also proposes complementary tactics—a trap-and-sort system to remove invasive carp near the lock and exploration of gate‑deterrent measures—because a lock deterrent alone is unlikely to fully prevent upstream movement.

When asked whether the appropriation deadline could be met, Pennington said the project remains on track and that more refined cost estimates are forthcoming as the Corps completes design work. She confirmed Wisconsin DNR and federal partners are participating on the technical team.

The committee did not take formal action on the project; Pennington said staff will continue design, permitting, and coordination with the Corps and partners to meet the appropriation schedule.