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Flood Damage Seen by Lawmakers- Showing Need for Investment in Flood Control Structures

By Ron Hayes

November 26, 2008

Oklahoma 3rd District Congressman Frank Lucas, State Senator Mike Schulz and State Representative Mike Sanders had a 'first hand' look at damage to the infrastructure of rural Dewey County resulting from the floods of 2007 and 2008. The tour held on Tuesday was sponsored by the Dewey County Conservation District and the Dewey County Commissioners.
 
Heavy rains in 2007 and 2008 resulted in extensive damage to roads, bridges and farm ground throughout Oklahoma, including the flood damaged area in Southern Dewey County that was toured by the elected officials Tuesday. According to Jimmy Emmons, Chairman of the Dewey County Conservation District, this area highlights not only the damage that these floods caused, but it also shows how future damage can be reduced or eliminated if new flood control dams were to be built.

We have an audio overview of the tour- and more on this story on our website- it's our top story on this morning before Thanksgiving at www.OklahomaFarmReport.Com and the link to the story is below- it helps frame the argument made by supporters of conservation that say a lot of money for years to come will need to be dedicated to renovation of flood control dams- as well as some money to selectively build new flood control structures. Check it out.

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