As waters continue to rise in Southeast Missouri and thousands of people are evacuated from their homes, United States Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., made the following statement about the flooding and a plan being considered by the US Army Corps of Engineers to intentionally breach the Bird’s Point levee in an attempt to direct flood waters.
 
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families whose lives have been affected by the tragic flooding in Southeast Missouri,” McCaskill said. “I know that Missourians will come together to help our communities, neighborhoods, homes and people recover.”

“While emergency responders and volunteers work to save lives and protect property as best they can, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working to find a solution to alleviate the stress from our levees,” she said. “I have grave concerns about the plan to intentionally breach Bird’s Point levee that is being considered,” she said.

“In the effort to prevent more damage, we may do additional significant harm to the agricultural economy of the region that will last well after the flood waters recede.”  
 
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that an intentional breach would destroy more than 130,000 acres of prime farmland, which could jeopardize the livelihood of countless Missouri families, along with the broader farm economy. McCaskill has already communicated her concerns with US Army Corps of Engineers’ leadership.