The language included in the bill would instruct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to find a solution to flooding problems in the Cache River Basin near the city of Grubbs, Arkansas. Large masses of timber, silt, garbage, and other debris currently block the flow of the Cache River and contribute to heavy flooding during the rainy season. The feasibility study would address this problem by looking at possible strategies for channel restoration and flood damage reduction.

“The Cache River overflows almost every year in Jackson County causing significant amounts of flood damage” said Congressman Berry. “We need to solve this problem immediately so farmers in the region do not have to endure future economic disasters.”

Congressman Berry was also able to secure language that would help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finish the study of water resource needs along the White River Basin which will lay the foundation for the Cache River flooding study. The current study was delayed due to a 50% local cost share. The language in the Water Resources Development Act reduces that cost share to 25% so that the Corps can complete the study as quickly as possible.

“We have so many water resource needs along the White River Basin that demand immediate attention, yet our communities cannot find the resources to get this study done in a timely manner” said Congressman Berry. “By lowering this cost share, I hope to help the entire northeastern Arkansas region take advantage of the federal resources set aside to address water resource needs.”

The Water Resources Development Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 14, 2005 and has been referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Congressman Berry will continue to work with Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor to ensure that the study for the White River basin is included in the final version of the legislation.