MEMPHIS, Tenn., August 13, 2008 – The U.S. Department of Justice, following extensive consultation
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, decided Monday not to appeal the September 2007 decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia halting work on the St. Johns Bayou-New Madrid
Floodway Project.
The purpose of the project is to protect the area from periodic backwater flooding from the
Mississippi River and to reduce headwater flooding in the vicinity of East Prairie, Mo. It also allows for
the management of water based natural- and recreational-resources made by the flood control structures.
Col. Thomas Smith, the Corps’ Memphis District commander, said today, “We’ll continue
taking steps to comply with the court’s order and will work with local officials and Congress on the way
ahead.”
Release no. 08-17