October 20, 2011

Funding fulfills commitment by Governor in June; repairs to protect system to 55', repair of levee system would give greater protection to area residents, farmers

Gov. Nixon commits $2 million to continue work at Birds Point

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon today committed $2 million in public infrastructure assistance funds to continue work in several places in Mississippi County impacted by the intentional breach of the Birds Point levee by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in May. The funding fulfills a pledge the Governor made back in June that the state was willing to commit the resources necessary to protect Mississippi County farmers and residents.

"Until the system is rebuilt, farmers, residents and businesses across a good portion of Mississippi County remain unprotected because of the Corps' breaching of the levee system," said Gov. Nixon, who spoke with Maj. Gen. Michael J. Walsh of the Corps of Engineers on Wednesday. "With this funding, the construction should proceed without interruption so that these Missourians are protected. As I have stated many times, my administration will continue to provide assistance and support to the people of southeast Missouri at every stage of the recovery and rebuilding process. We were there before the flooding, during the floods, and we will continue to be there as long as it takes."

Gov. Nixon said his office was working closely with U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson to keep the rebuilding project moving forward. The Governor said building the temporary levee to a protection level of 55 feet would provide greatly increased protection for Mississippi County, while longer-term plans are being developed to build the permanent protection level to a height of 62.5 feet.