St. Paul tackles big Mississippi River logjam
St. Paul city officials are monitoring a logjam on the Mississippi River at Raspberry Island.
Many of the floating branches and debris are leftovers from the recent storms. High water has made it difficult to get equipment to the area, but city spokesman Joe Campbell says officials are watching it closely in the meantime.
"It continues to get a little bit larger by the day," Campbell said, adding that public safety is a top concern.
Campbell said the city is also concerned about curious onlookers who might try to walk on the logjam. He says it's a bad idea.
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The logjam is mostly impacting boat traffic, but officials are also concerned about logs becoming dislodged and hitting boats in the marina.
A contractor is expected to work on clearing the jam later this week.
"They're going to take a look at it, and they're going to bring in some equipment that will help us remove it," Campbell said.
The logjam isn't expected to interfere with the city's 4th of July festivities on Harriet Island.
