| Washington, D.C.—U.S. Congressman Steve King this week successfully secured a $3 million federal investment for new floodplain maps and emergency plans. Updating work that is almost 30-years old, the new investment in the Missouri River basin is intended to promote economic development, and agriculture.
“Outdated and inaccurate data on the Missouri River floodplain chokes-off economic development projects and is responsible for unnecessary flood insurance premiums for many,” said King. “This investment will help get government out of the way and let businesses and families realize their plans for prosperity.”
The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 is legislation that authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete river and harbor projects and provides funding for the development and conservation of water resources. The legislation has passed the House and awaits action in the Senate.
Due to changes in land use and development along the Missouri River, new detailed flood plain information is needed for the 313-mile span of the Missouri River from Rulo, Nebraska to Yankton, South Dakota. The current floodplain management plan, the Lower Missouri River Flow Frequency Study, was created from information gathered 28 years ago and does not meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
“In Western Iowa, we are blessed with the Missouri River. Many of our ancestors depended on the river for their prosperity. For the next generation of Iowans we must do our part to ensure that the Missouri continues to offer its opportunities as it did to us and previous generations,” stated King.
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