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Home > About Grassley > Keeping Focus on Flood Control - Disaster Relief Also Needed in Eastern Iowa
Keeping Focus on Flood Control; Disaster Relief Also Needed in Eastern Iowa
The Commander of the Northwest Division of the Army Corps of Engineers, Brig. Gen. John McMahon, came to my office yesterday in advance of today’s announcement by the Corps about its schedule for releasing water from upstream dams this fall, as well as its strategy to be ready for the 2012 runoff season. The issue is when to evacuate water being held upstream in order to make room for next year’s runoff, while also allowing time this year for evaluation and repair of dams and waterlogged levees that are downstream. I am evaluating the Corps’ plan (here are documents one, two and three). The Corps needs to fully account for its decisions of the last year, and the Corps’ proposal for what comes next needs to be carefully examined.
I will continue to work with the Corps, state government in Iowa, and local governments along the river as the flood fight continues and recovery begins. Flood control has got to be the top priority for the Corps in its management of the Missouri River. In the United States Senate, a Missouri River Working Group made up of senators representing states along the river from Montana to Missouri is evaluating what changes need to be made to the Corps’ master manual to strengthen flood control for long-term river management. During my meeting with the commander, I also followed up on my previous appeal about the flood control structures that were built or enhanced this year to protect communities, homes, and businesses. I again urged the Corps to use common sense as we move forward. Everyone worked hard, amidst the flooding, to prevent the additional destruction of property along the river. It would be counter-productive for the federal government to undo that work.
Also this week, I urged President Obama to approve the request made by Governor Branstad for federal disaster relief for people in Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama counties who were hit by severe weather earlier this month. I was able to see some of the damage on July 15, when I went to Vinton, Garrison and Dysart to meet with local residents and community leaders who are coping with the aftermath. Separately, I will continue to work with state government officials regarding any federal assistance that may be available for Dubuque County after this week’s flooding there.
Friday, July 29, 2011
The Commander of the Northwest Division of the Army Corps of Engineers, Brig. Gen. John McMahon, came to my office yesterday in advance of today’s announcement by the Corps about its schedule for releasing water from upstream dams this fall, as well as its strategy to be ready for the 2012 runoff season. The issue is when to evacuate water being held upstream in order to make room for next year’s runoff, while also allowing time this year for evaluation and repair of dams and waterlogged levees that are downstream. I am evaluating the Corps’ plan (here are documents one, two and three). The Corps needs to fully account for its decisions of the last year, and the Corps’ proposal for what comes next needs to be carefully examined.
I will continue to work with the Corps, state government in Iowa, and local governments along the river as the flood fight continues and recovery begins. Flood control has got to be the top priority for the Corps in its management of the Missouri River. In the United States Senate, a Missouri River Working Group made up of senators representing states along the river from Montana to Missouri is evaluating what changes need to be made to the Corps’ master manual to strengthen flood control for long-term river management. During my meeting with the commander, I also followed up on my previous appeal about the flood control structures that were built or enhanced this year to protect communities, homes, and businesses. I again urged the Corps to use common sense as we move forward. Everyone worked hard, amidst the flooding, to prevent the additional destruction of property along the river. It would be counter-productive for the federal government to undo that work.
Also this week, I urged President Obama to approve the request made by Governor Branstad for federal disaster relief for people in Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama counties who were hit by severe weather earlier this month. I was able to see some of the damage on July 15, when I went to Vinton, Garrison and Dysart to meet with local residents and community leaders who are coping with the aftermath. Separately, I will continue to work with state government officials regarding any federal assistance that may be available for Dubuque County after this week’s flooding there.
Friday, July 29, 2011