Mississippi River To Crest In St. Paul Today
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- During President Obama's visit Thursday to the Twin Cities, Gov. Mark Dayton said he'll ask for federal disaster help.
A flood warning remains in effect for many Minnesota rivers, including the Mississippi River. It's expected to crest Thursday night in St. Paul at 20.5 feet. That's the seventh-highest level on record. The Mississippi is expected to remain at "major" flood stage for another week.
That also means the Taste of Minnesota is moving from Harriet Island to Waconia. Organizers announced that the festival over the Fourth of July weekend will be held at the Carver County Fairgrounds.
All that water from the Mississippi River is headed down river right through the city of Newport. Flood waters are just a foot below the top of the city's earthen levee. It was built after devastating flooding in 1965. Officials will tour the levee on Wednesday. City officials said they hope to be able to buyout the impacted homeowners and turn that area into a riverside park.
The city of Carver is also dealing with an outdated levee. Volunteers from across the Twin Cities metro helped to fill sandbags at Lions Park Wednesday in hopes of holding back the Minnesota River. City leaders said it would cost more than $15 million to build a new levee, and some historic buildings would have to be removed.
The flooding is also spoiling some summer fun at Valleyfair. The Shakopee amusement park has shut down three rides: The Renegade, Excaliber and Thunder Canyon, due to high water. All other rides remain open.