Kansas City, MO – As part of its 2017 work plan, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has allocated $17,030,000 and $21,529,000 for flood control work to improve Blue River/Dodson and Turkey Creek, respectively. Each of these projects were designated for the second year of the General Obligation bonds implementation plan. The bonds were approved by voters in April. The allocation of matching federal dollars means projects that date back as far as the 1980’s, will now have the resources necessary for completion.
“This is a big win for the City of Kansas City,” said Mayor Sly James. “For far too long our city has been vulnerable to severe flooding and flood damage. I’d like to thank the members of our Congressional Delegation for their work over the years to get this money allocated. The residents of Kansas City spoke loud and clear when they said they wanted improvements to our flood control programs and now, with this funding, these two projects will be completed on schedule.”
“We’ve needed more funding for the Turkey Creek and Dodson flood control projects for decades,” said City Manager Troy Schulte. “This is exactly why we asked residents to approve the infrastructure bonds, so that we could attract the federal funding to complete these projects.”
“I am very pleased that funding has been provided for completion of Blue River/Dodson and Turkey Creek levee projects,” said U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-5). “This was a long-standing effort and I am pleased to help with the funding to see them reach the finish line. They are critical for protecting Kansas City businesses and families against the devastation of flooding.”
“These projects, on the Blue River and Turkey Creek, are something I’ve been working on for years now,” said U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-6). “I’m thrilled to see the Corps’ work plan include funding for these vital projects, and I will keep doing everything I can to hold the Corps to this to ensure these projects get done.”
“Maintaining and improving our waterways and surrounding infrastructure is vital for boosting economic growth and protecting Missouri families,” said U.S. Senator Roy Blunt. “I was pleased to see funding for critical Kanas City projects, including much-needed improvements for Kansas City Levees, the Turkey Creek Basin and the Blue River Basin, included in the work plan. I’ll continue advocating for vital infrastructure improvement projects in our state.”
