North Tailwater Recreation area and section of Volksweg bike path remain closed

Warmer weather has finally arrived and with it comes plans to enjoy the campgrounds and recreational facilities in the Lake Red Rock area.

Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), the builder of the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project (RRHP), reminds outdoor enthusiasts that the North Tailwater Recreation area and a section of the Volksweg bike path remain closed to the public until RRHP opens for commercial operation. The closures will ensure the safety of the public and workers still on site.

RRHP is nearing the end of its physical construction phase and the North Tailwater Recreation area restoration is underway. The final work on the intake structure’s approach channel is in full swing and crews recently began restoring the downstream earthen dam embankment. Many of the temporary construction buildings and offices located on the project’s property also are starting to disappear.

“We realize that the closure causes an inconvenience for people wanting to enjoy the facilities, but the safety of the public as well as construction workers is a primary concern for everyone involved in the project,” said MRES Vice President of Member Services and Communications Joni Livingston. “We want to thank the citizens of Marion County and the Pella community for their broad support of RRHP and for their incredible patience since this project first began construction in 2014.”

Throughout the duration of the project, MRES has taken several measures to enhance recreation in the Red Rock Dam area, including the construction of a 7,000-foot extension of the Volksweg Bike Trail to extend the trail from the Fifield Recreation Area to the Robert’s Creek Trailhead. Other features added to the area include picnic shelters, a playground, a fish-cleaning station, restrooms, parking facilities, and water fountains.

The up-to-date status of Lake Red Rock Recreation facilities can be found at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Red Rock website at https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/.

RRHP is owned by the Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency and will be operated by MRES. Once fully operational, RRHP will be able to generate enough power to satisfy the electrical needs for all the homes in Marion County.

MRES is a joint-action agency made up of 61 member communities in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Each member owns and operates a locally owned, locally controlled electric system. MRES provides wholesale electricity to its members along with a wide range of energy-related services.

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For more information, contact MRES Vice President of Member Services and Communications

Joni Livingston at 605-261-3637 or joni.livingston@mrenergy.com.