Advertisement

Black Leaders Speak Against Bootheel Levee Project

Black Leaders Speak Against Bootheel Levee Project
Advertisement
By The Associated Press
Dec. 16, 2014 | ST. LOUIS, MO
By The Associated Press Dec. 16, 2014 | 02:24 PM | ST. LOUIS, MO
A levee project in the Missouri Bootheel region would increase the flood risk in predominantly black communities in Illinois, government and civic leaders of those communities said in a letter to President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

The St. Johns Bayou and New Madrid Floodway project was first proposed in 1954 as a means of protecting an area of rich Missouri agricultural land from frequent flooding. The price tag for the quarter-mile-long project now stands at $165 million.  

Environmental groups have long opposed the project, saying it would threaten a wetland and habitat for fish and wildlife. Nearly 100 environmental groups sent a separate letter to Obama on Tuesday renewing that concern.  

The Army Corps of Engineers says the levee would generate about twice the economic benefit of the construction cost.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement


Latest National & World
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest National & World

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT