This project is fully funded by the Get Out MORE (Modernizing our Outdoor Recreation Experiences) initiative, which invests $110 million in Minnesota’s recreation infrastructure. These investments are one-time in nature.
The Get Out More funding is part of the DNRs General Fund. Per, the MN DNR’s biannual budget, “Our FY24-25 General Fund budget is $604.3 million, which is less than 1% of the total General Fund spending for the state” (pg. 1, DNR Biennial Budget)
The DNR recently released a 2024 Progress Report on Get Out MORE funding that includes the Crissy Lake Dam project (page 44).
DNR staff met with the Stevens County SWCD, Pomme de Terre River Association, and the City of Morris over the winter of 2023-2024 to discuss the possibility of working on a project at the Crissy Lake Dam. An application was submitted through the Pomme de Terre River Association with a letter of support from the City of Morris to fund a potential project. As part of the application the approach listed was to convert the dam to a rock arch rapids.
The project was scored through the DNR’s Stream Restoration Priority List, and was the top scoring applicant that met the criteria for the Get Out MORE funding. Funding became available on July 1st, 2025.
