Mississippi River Flooding
We think the Corps should operate the ORCC to increase the discharge as the river rises — and that Congress should authorize this. Now. This would lower flood crests, make floods shorter, and reduce the risk of levee failure — and a course change. It would also reduce batture and backwater flooding and the resulting economic and environmental damage on some 1.5 million acres in Mississippi and Louisiana. Time to change the flood control plan – before it’s too late.
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Deja Vu All Over Again
On January 15, 2016, the Mississippi River at Vicksburg reached 50 feet — 7 feet above flood stage. It was the highest January crest since 1879 when Congress put the Mississippi River Commission (MRC) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) in charge of flood control. A freak January flood. It caused the Mississippi deer season to close early along the river.
It happened again this year. On January 12-13, the river reached flood stage at Vicksburg and Greenville. And the deer season closed early. “Deja vu all over again,” as Yogi Berra said. The river has reached flood stage in January only three times in 140 years — but twice in the last three years.
Why Does It Flood When Levees Don’t Break? And Other Questions. Part 2
BPF’s Q&A two part series on MS River Flooding
BPF Article Featured in The Woodville Republican – January 2019
BPF was featured in the Woodville Republican with a full page dedicated to Kelley Williams’ article on MS River Flooding.
Why Does It Flood When Levees Don’t Break? And Other Questions. Part 1
BPF’s Q&A two part series on MS River Flooding
Congressional Record on Old River Control Structure
A report on the structure and operations plan for the Old River Control Structure authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1954 is to be submitted with opportunity for public input and stakeholder engagement, including public meetings.
Flood Control and Insanity
The Mississippi River is usually low in the fall. But it reached 42 feet at Natchez this month and flooded unharvested crops. It has risen steadily since the 1950’s when the highest fall crest was 28 feet.