Work to repair 2011 flood damage in the Mississippi-Ohio River confluence area continues to progress well. A combination of favorable weather, low river stages and innovative engineering – coupled with good contractor performance – has allowed the restoration and repair efforts to stay on track.
“Several construction projects aimed at reducing levee underseepage in the Cairo, Ill., area and in Fulton County, Ky., are underway now,” Project Manager Jason Schaefer said. “Most of these projects will be completed in the second half of 2013.”
At the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway, where the goal is full restoration of the frontline levee by the end of this year, the forecast looks very good.
“The Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway Project continues to be a good news story and work is continuing in the reconstruction of the levee system,” Project Manager Regina Kuykendoll Cash said. “Phase 1 of the upper and center crevasses is complete. Phase 2 work at the upper and center crevasses is underway and construction crews are installing pipe for the floodway operating system. Phase 1 of the lower crevasse is nearing completion and we are awaiting the Notice to Proceed for Phase 2.”
The cost of the Floodway restoration work is valued at approximately $11.5 million