NEW MADRID, Mo.  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08), U.S. Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-Mo.), U.S. Senator Jim Talent (R-Mo.), the Army Corps of Engineers and local leaders will gather tomorrow to mark a decisive step in the decades-long effort to build the St. John's Bayou and New Madrid Floodway Project. 

The officials will gather tomorrow, Friday, at 10:00 a.m. CDT at the existing flood gates, one-half mile east of New Madrid, in a Milestone Ceremony to celebrate the implementation of a critical flood protection project for Southeast Missouri.

 

“I’m delighted we are finally moving ahead with the floodway project.  It’s time to stop pushing paperwork and to start moving dirt.  We have a design that is going to save lives, jobs, and property while paying due diligence to environmental concerns,” Emerson said, “and it’s past time to get it off the ground.  This project has been needed for decades.  It was a priority for my late husband, Bill Emerson, and it has been a priority for me from the day I began work representing Southern Missouri.  This is the beginning of a new way of life for us, life without the constant fear of floods.”

The project design includes closure of a gap in the existing levee, new gravity gates, and pumping stations.  Among other enhancements to natural resources along the floodway, Big Oak Tree State park will receive long-awaited improvements and protections.

 

"After decades of getting flooded by as much delay and bureaucracy as Mississippi River water, it is a victory for the people in the basin and a victory for equity and justice. It is a sign that under the right leadership, the agencies can come together to work on behalf of our citizens and resolve matters, not just study them," Bond said. "Given the studies and re-studies and one-sided big-city media attacks, I am here for two reasons. One is to celebrate this great day with my friends and those who made it possible but the other is to make sure that no one changes their minds!"

A Record of Decision, clearing the St. John’s Bayou – New Madrid Floodway Project, Phase 1, for advancement, was signed by the General Riley of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on August 25, 2003. 

 

"This is good news for Southeast Missouri," said U.S. Sen. Jim Talent. "Flood protection is a necessity, not a luxury. This project means safety, jobs and economic growth for thousands of people in Scott, New Madrid and Mississippi Counties. It will save lives and benefit the economy and the environment at the same time. Congresswoman Emerson and Sen. Bond’s leadership, and the advocacy of my friend, the late Bill Emerson, has been the guiding light for this project. I am very pleased to join area residents and local sponsors in celebrating this milestone."