La Crosse company lands $3.4 million contract to restore islands on Mississippi

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A La Crosse, Wis., company has been awarded a $3.4 million contract to restore islands, and ultimately wildlife habitat, in the Mississippi River.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Wednesday that it awarded the contract to J.F. Brennan Co. Inc.

The project’s goal is to revive fish and wildlife habitat by restoring islands that have eroded or disappeared near Brownsville, Minn. and Stoddard, Wis. Islands are important because without them, there is more wave action, which can uproot plants and keep sediment suspended in the water.

Some parts of the project are already done. This contract will involve the construction of eight islands.

Material from the islands will be dredged from the area, and most of the construction will be finished this year.

Construction boats will be in the area, so boaters are advised to use caution.