By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO – A new federal study suggests that bigger and stronger levees along the upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aren't worth the cost.
The Army Corps of Engineers has concluded that the existing flood protection system north of Cairo, Illinois, is generally adequate.
Building up levees to protect against a 500-year flood would cost more than $8 billion. Upgrading to protect against 100-year floods would cost about $3.7 billion.
The Corps will hold four public meetings this week to discuss the findings, including one Thursday in Chester, Ill.