Battle over Raising Illinois Levees Continues

A Missouri group continues its battle against a proposal to raise Illinois flood protection levees.
Neighbors of the Mississippi is lobbying to prevent the state from allowing berm levels to be increased by almost a half-foot. The bill is pending in the Illinois House. Supporters say it’s needed to prevent devastating floods. Opponents argue that it would increase the chances of flooding in Pike, Lincoln and St. Charles counties.

Neighbors of the Mississippi has fought for five years to stop unilateral levee construction that it says would turn the three counties into flood basins, destroy transportation routes and hurt the economy. Chairman Mark Harvey says a more realistic, comprehensive flood control plan is needed.

Members of the neighbors group recently met with top officials in Washington to discuss their concerns.