Addressing the Recent Flooding in Northwest Missouri
Recently, rising flood waters have critically impacted our area of the state, endangering many Missourians’ homes and farms, as well as some of our community’s water treatment centers and other infrastructure. As your state senator, I am dedicated to doing what I can to aid our cities and counties during this unfortunate time. Your state government is working to provide relief and support to those affected by the flooding emergency.
The governor has declared a state of emergency in response to the flooding, which has been most severe in areas near the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Department of Public Safety’s State Emergency Operations Agency, as well as the departments of Transportation, Agriculture and Health and Senior Services, are dedicating significant resources to areas affected by the recent floods. State agencies are distributing sandbags and tetanus vaccines, and conducting emergency rescue operations when necessary.
On the legislative side of things, I have filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 24, which urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to return its primary focus to river management and flood control. I believe the Corps should rededicate itself to protecting local communities from extreme flooding, a mission that has been steadily deprioritized over the last 15 years.
My heart goes out to every Missourian affected by the ongoing situation. As the flooding continues, please be safe and avoid any unnecessary risks, such as driving on flooded roads or wading through contaminated water, until the emergency has passed.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.