We're pleased to see relatively quick progress on Missouri River levee repairs. Another round of flooding could be just around the corner.
On Tuesday, we reported work from Missouri's Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group, which was updated on the status of levee repairs.
"Everything we're asking for, we're getting," when it comes to funding for levee repairs, said Jud Kneuvean, chief of emergency management with the Corps' Kansas City District.
The district has received about $48 million so far, and it's expected that $80 million will be needed. Of the 119 requests for levee repairs, 61 have been approved.
In the Jefferson City area, repairs for the Mokane levee are open for bidding. So is repair work for the Capitol View and other local levees, including Tebbetts and Wainwright.
Normally, area levees protect north Jefferson City up to a Missouri River level of about 30 feet. But since they've been compromised, that number is now several feet lower. The levees protect our airport, sewage treatment plant, farm land and other private businesses.
The speed at which the federal government is helping Jefferson City and other areas get their levees back up may not seem impressive. But when you factor into the equation the red tape that's involved, it is fairly impressive. The task involves multiple federal agencies, each with their own detailed rules, regulations and budgets.
Their work, along with our local and state leaders, is much appreciated.
The forecast for the upper basin over the next three months projects below-average temperatures and above-average precipitation. Neither of those projections are favorable for avoiding more flooding.
News Tribune