The first project would instruct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete forty-seven miles of levee along the east bank of the White River to Georgetown, Arkansas. Although thirty-seven miles of the levee are complete, construction stopped in 1977 and was never resumed. This project would finish the remaining work on the levee at full cost to the federal government.

“Our farmers in Prairie County lose thousands of dollars every year from flooded crops,” said Congressman Berry. “We need to finish this project once and for all so that our farmers do not continue to struggle during the rainy season.”   

“This is one of those issues where complacency can get communities in real trouble and since we haven’t suffered a flood in many years the levee hasn’t been maintained as it should have been,” said Harvey Joe Sanner a farm activist and President of the American Agriculture Movement of Arkansas. “We just can’t withstand a levee failure. It is hard to comprehend the damage to our farms, infrastructure, homes, and wildlife that could occur from a flood. An ounce of prevention is a whole lot better than a pound of cure later on.”

Congressman Berry was also able to secure language to protect the threatened levee near Des Arc, Arkansas. Erosion of the White River is causing the bank to cave in near the levee, jeopardizing the safety of crops in Des Arc. The language in the Water Resources Development Act would require the Corps of Engineers to construct an earthen levee, a sewage pump, a storm water pump, and a drainage system to prevent future damage. The Corps would be responsible for covering all costs of maintenance and operation of the project.

“We have the chance to act now before the levee fails and save the community in Des Arc from significant economic damage,” said Congressman Berry. “I intend to do everything I can to make sure these hard working farmers do not live in fear of the levee crashing and sending dangerous floodwaters into their fields.”

“This is another example of where we can act now to prevent wholesale damage in the future,” said Sanner. “There is no doubt that with the current rate of erosion on the river the levee is going to be in danger. If we could spend a little bit now we could prevent a lot of damage and suffering later. On behalf of the community we are very grateful for Marion’s attention to both of these issues.”

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.