Governor's flood recovery group to convene

Panel assigned to recommend short- to long-term priorities

Ethan Livengood drives cautiously through the floodwaters May 22, 2019, at the Missouri 94/Route C intersection in Mokane, Mo.
Ethan Livengood drives cautiously through the floodwaters May 22, 2019, at the Missouri 94/Route C intersection in Mokane, Mo.

The first meeting of the state Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group will be next Tuesday in Jefferson City.

Gov. Mike Parson, who is scheduled to speak at the meeting, signed an executive order July 18 to establish the state Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group.

This year's record-level flooding "has been devastating, costing millions of dollars in property damage," Parson said in a news release Wednesday. "This working group will play a key role in establishing Missouri's path forward to rebuilding infrastructure, revitalizing damaged farm ground and refocusing our flood-control priorities."

The Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture will convene the working group, designate a chairperson, and provide staff support and assistance.

"The purpose of the Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group is to provide input on the state's short-, medium- and long-term flood recovery priorities and feedback on the state's current levee system with suggested changes to benefit Missouri and its citizens," said Dru Buntin, Department of Natural Resources deputy director. "The group also will identify areas where attention is needed and provide input on priorities for allocation of state funding as we recover from this year's flooding."

Members of the group will include the Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Economic Development and Transportation, as well as the State Emergency Management Agency, the Missouri Levee and Drainage District Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Coalition to Protect the Missouri River, and the Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition.

Four additional members have been appointed - two representing agri-business and two representing local government interests. Parson may appoint other members.

The group has been directed to submit an initial report to the governor by Dec. 31; a final report is due May 31, 2020.

Tuesday's meeting starts at 9 a.m. in the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive; it is open to the public.