Emerson On Commencement of Birds Point Construction

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today said she approved of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activity to begin the installation of a temporary levee at Birds Point.

"Our producers have in many cases taken on considerable risk by putting a crop in on their land in the floodway. The temporary levee is vital to protecting them against further losses as a result of the Corps destruction of the levee at Birds Point," Emerson said. "Throughout New Madrid and Mississippi Counties, people are looking to the restoration of flood protection as the all-clear signal to be able to start putting their lives back in order. It's a shame they have had to wait this long, but I am glad the process now appears to be underway."

Teams of Corps of Engineers surveyors were dispatched to the three levee breaches today to begin the site surveys which must precede the construction of temporary and then permanent levee structures.

"I appreciate the speed with which the Corps got this project underway today. I don't think they should take a day off until the Birds Point levee is restored to its original condition. In Congress, I continue to work on moving forward the Appropriations Committee's commitment to a billion dollars in funding to repair the damage caused by these floods throughout the region, including our Missouri levees," Emerson said.