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Bracing for the Long Haul Against Flood Waters
The Missouri River flooding that’s under way is unlike other recent flooding disasters in Iowa for the length of time it will go on. Everyone’s worried about the levees holding up against 90 days of pressure from the biggest flood in more than 100 years. I’m in close contact with the communities along the river and will continue to communicate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
I hosted the Brigadier General for the Corps who is responsible for the Missouri River in Iowa for a meeting in my office in Washington on Wednesday morning. In Congress, there will be a thorough review of the Corps’ actions, especially its communication in anticipation of the floods with the people who live along the river.
I’m also very interested in a review of the degree to which flood control is prioritized in the Corps’ management of the Missouri River. There’s been a debate for decades now about how much weight is given to recreational and other interests, compared to flood control, in the way that the Corps manages the dams and levees as dictated by its master manual. This year’s devastating flooding ought to prompt a meaningful reassessment of those priorities, with enhanced emphasis on flood control.
In a separate meeting on Wednesday, I joined in a discussion with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. I reiterated my support for the request made by Governor Terry Branstad for a presidential declaration to tap disaster recovery funds for Iowans. Already, FEMA assessments are under way in Iowa. Many Iowans have concerns about national flood insurance, as well.
A week ago today, I got a first-hand look at the water in Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Hamburg and Sidney. I appreciate the stamina and determination of Iowans living along the Missouri River and will continue to work closely with local leaders and others.
Friday, June 24, 2011
The Missouri River flooding that’s under way is unlike other recent flooding disasters in Iowa for the length of time it will go on. Everyone’s worried about the levees holding up against 90 days of pressure from the biggest flood in more than 100 years. I’m in close contact with the communities along the river and will continue to communicate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
I hosted the Brigadier General for the Corps who is responsible for the Missouri River in Iowa for a meeting in my office in Washington on Wednesday morning. In Congress, there will be a thorough review of the Corps’ actions, especially its communication in anticipation of the floods with the people who live along the river.
I’m also very interested in a review of the degree to which flood control is prioritized in the Corps’ management of the Missouri River. There’s been a debate for decades now about how much weight is given to recreational and other interests, compared to flood control, in the way that the Corps manages the dams and levees as dictated by its master manual. This year’s devastating flooding ought to prompt a meaningful reassessment of those priorities, with enhanced emphasis on flood control.
In a separate meeting on Wednesday, I joined in a discussion with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. I reiterated my support for the request made by Governor Terry Branstad for a presidential declaration to tap disaster recovery funds for Iowans. Already, FEMA assessments are under way in Iowa. Many Iowans have concerns about national flood insurance, as well.
A week ago today, I got a first-hand look at the water in Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Hamburg and Sidney. I appreciate the stamina and determination of Iowans living along the Missouri River and will continue to work closely with local leaders and others.
Friday, June 24, 2011