Clarksville Mayor Jo Anne Smiley is urging an upgrade of Missouri Highway 79.
She told a panel of state transportation officials that the scenic road is the Pike County community’s lifeline, and that an increasing number of floods is jeopardizing an economy that’s built largely upon tourism.

Smiley outlined plans for a three-point-five-million-dollar portable floodwall that would protect four blocks of the downtown area. However, other parts of Highway 79 would still be prone to high water.

Smiley said the problem could be solved by raising the level of the road.
Highway 79 is a heavily-used route for tourists and commuters, stretching from Hannibal to Saint Peters.

More From KHMO-AM 1070, News-Talk-Sports