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North Kansas City, Missouri |
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North Kansas City Levee District |
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Kansas Citys Levees Feasibility Study Kansas City, Kansas & Kansas City Missouri Metropolitan Area Including Levees that Service North Kansas City & Birmingham (7 Levees Project) |
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PROJECT BACKGROUND In 2000, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated a study of the seven levee units in the Kansas City area. This study was intended to update and verify the level of flood protection provided by the levee systems along the Missouri and Kansas Rivers. The goal of the study was to identify areas of risk, develop plans for reducing flood risk and increase the reliability of the levee systems. Finalized in December 2006, the Corps’ study identified two areas of concern for the North Kansas City Unit: the section of levee within Harlem and the section adjacent to National Starch. In both sections, the effects of underseepage have been identified as potential problem areas. The study presented two capital improvements projects necessary to increase the levee system’s reliability. Both projects are intended to manage the flow of groundwater during a flood event on the Missouri River. The estimated cost for both projects is $8.2 million. Now that problem areas have been identified and the conceptual plans have been approved, the next step in the process is to begin the engineering phase of the project. These efforts are being hindered by the Congressional budgetary process. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is not receiving sufficient funding to carry the project forward in an expeditious manner. YOUR ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED Landowners within the protected area of the levee are encouraged solicit support for continued Congressional funding. The Board of Supervisors asks that you contact your federal legislators. Please remember that the 2007 budget has been set, and you will be lobbying for appropriations in 2008. When doing so, we recommend that you discuss the following topics: · State that you or you company believes it is crucial that the 2008 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill include $2.5 million to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain progress on the project. (This is the money that the Corps of Engineers needs to start detailed engineering design of the project. Insufficient funding by Congress will draw out the process and delay the construction phase. The published 2007 President’s Budget includes $500,000 in funding for this project. It is a start, but it is not adequate to maintain acceptable progress). · The Levee District will share the cost of project with the Federal Government and will be responsible for 35 percent. The District has committed to provide its share of the project funding and has the funds available. Without the Federal contribution, the project cannot proceed. · Discuss how a levee failure would impact your business. Quantify the economic impacts if possible. · Major insurance underwriters are aware of the Corps of Engineers’ study and your insurance rates could be affected if no action occurs or if the project is delayed. · The estimated damage that could result from a levee breach of the North Kansas City Unit is $1.7 billion. · The improvements are needed to maintain business viability and jobs which are vital to the economic health of the region. · The improvements are needed to protect the lives of numerous workers and residents behind the levee. · The improvements are needed to protect major metropolitan infrastructure. The protected area includes the water treatment plants for North Kansas City and Kansas City. These two facilities provide drinking water to approximately 800,000 people in the metropolitan area. · The improvements are needed to protect a complex system of rail, air, traffic, pipeline & fiber optic infrastructure. The Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport and the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad’s Murray Yard are within the protected area. CONTACT INFORMATION 911 Main St. - Suite 2224 Kansas City, Missouri 64105
113 Blue Jay Drive, Suite 100 Liberty, MO 64068
Office of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill 400 East 9th Street, Plaza Level 40 (816)421-1639
400 E. 9th St. - Suite 9350 Kansas City, Missouri 64106 |
