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MO bill aims to proactively limit river flooding

A bill meant to streamline river flooding prevention and repair measures in Missouri was introduced to a state Senate committee Monday.

The bill’s sponsor, Missouri Senator Dan Hegeman, testified on behalf of his flood resiliency bill before the Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources committee saying it would protect Missourians from a repeat of the $20 billion of damage caused by the 2019 flood.

“It’s my hope that using this fund will allow us to be proactive, not reactive to flooding events,” he said. “Being proactive will, hopefully, better minimize the impact of flood events in the future, to help mitigate these flooding situations.”

He said Senate Bill 984 would create constant funding subject to state appropriations and facilitated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin said the bill will create better collaboration among local stakeholders like landowners, farmers, and business owners.

“Everybody talks about wanting improvements,” Buntin said. “But a lot of times, it’s very difficult to get people to agree on what an improvement verses an impact to them is.”

The Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Coalition for the Environment testified in support of the bill.