This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, June 20, 2011 - U.S. Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, and Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville, plan to meet Monday in Jefferson City with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss and see first-hand the flooding along the Missouri River.
The flooding has become a major problem in northern Missouri, particularly after several levees failed.
According to Luetkemeyer's office, the two members of Congress will meet with local emergency and river officials, as well as two corps' commanders: Commander of the Northwestern Division, Brig. Gen. John McMahon, and Commander of the Kansas City District, Col. Tony Hofmann.
A public meeting is to be held, at 10:30 a.m., in Jefferson City's city council chamber, 320 East McCarty St. Those invited include "area mayors, presiding commissioners, emergency management directors and levee district presidents," the announcement said. The members of Congress then will view some of the affected areas.
After the session, Luetkemeyer reported that officials "were able to hear from the Corps of Engineers and ask questions about what is being done to combat historic levels of water being released from upriver dams into the Missouri River basin. The meeting and tour is a result of a letter Missouri's congressional delegation sent to the corps seeking information about the potential impacts of the rising water on local river communities."
"It is important for the corps to hear directly how their actions are impacting Missouri River communities. I know that the corps will continue in their mission to protect life and property from the flood waters threatening these communities. It is critical that all our Missouri River communities continue to take every precaution as flood waters continue to rise," Luetkemeyer said. "I, along with my staff, will continue to be available to local, state and federal officials to assist in any way we can. I want to thank General McMahon and Colonel Hofmann for their attendance today, and I look forward to working with the corps on addressing the issues of so many who call the banks of the Missouri River home."
