WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today helped dedicate the flood control project at Cape La Croix.  The dedication ceremony at the Osage Community Center began at 2:00 p.m. CDT, and it was followed by bus service to the actual project site.

 

“From the first time this need for flood protection was identified to the completion of concrete and steel in this structure, this has been a long journey,” Emerson said.  “Flood protection is an essential need along the Mississippi River, and floods in years past have amply demonstrated the importance of our commitment to protect lives and property.”

 

Included in the three-phase project are channel improvements to the Cape La Croix Creek and the Walker branch; a dry detention reservoir, which helps slow the flow of water into the basin; improved bridges to reduce the constriction in the Channel itself; and the walking/biking path connecting the Osage Center to the sports complex in South Cape.

 

Emerson thanked the many individuals who have invested countless hours over several decades to make the project possible.  “The citizens of Cape Girardeau, former Mayors, levee board members, chamber directors, city councilmen and women and Corps employees have put their blood, sweat and tears into this effort - they are to be thanked even if they did not live to see this moment. 

 

“In fact, one of the folks who is not able to see the completed project is my late husband, Bill Emerson.  In looking through the files, I found a memo by a former staff assistant who attended a meeting on Bill’s behalf concerning this project on February 24th, 1981 less than seven weeks after Bill was sworn into office,” Emerson said.