KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District and Omaha District, announced today it will host a series of public meetings to provide updates and gather public input on the Lower Missouri River Basin Flood Risk and Resiliency Study.
The study is a comprehensive effort to analyze and recommend improvements for flood risk management and other water resource-related issues along the 498 miles of the Lower Missouri River. This initiative was prompted by the historic and devastating flooding of 2019. That event resulted in record runoff and billions of dollars in damage across the region.
“The Lower Missouri River connects communities, economies and ecosystems across the region, and this study represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape its future,” said Col. Robert Newbauer, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District. “Input from the public and our state and local partners is essential as we evaluate flood risk, resiliency and long-term solutions.”
The widespread impact served as a catalyst for a four-state coalition (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska) to partner with USACE to develop a roadmap for a more resilient Lower Missouri River. The public meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the study's progress, review initial findings and provide valuable feedback to the project team.
"Public input is a critical component of this study," said Col. Andrew Niewohner, commander of the Kansas City District. "We are committed to a transparent process and ensuring that the concerns and priorities of the communities and stakeholders along the river are heard and considered as we develop solutions for a more resilient river system."
All interested parties and stakeholders are encouraged to attend. The meetings will feature a presentation by the study team followed by a question-and-answer session, and opportunities for one-on-one discussion.
The meeting schedule is as follows:
- Kansas: February 18, 2026; 6:00-8:00 p.m. CST
- Atchison Library, 401 Kansas Ave, Atchison, KS
- Missouri: February 19, 2026; 6:00-8:00 p.m. CST
- Missouri Farm Bureau, 701 S Country Club Dr, Jefferson City, MO
- Nebraska: February 25, 2026; 6:00-8:00 p.m. CST
- Lewis and Clark Visitors Center, 100 Valmont Dr, Nebraska City, NE
- Iowa: February 26, 2026; 6:00-8:00 p.m. CST
- Pottawattamie County EMA Office at 205 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA
For those unable to attend, materials and a recording of the presentation will be made available on the project website following the meetings. Comments can also be submitted online.
Additional information about the Lower Missouri River Basin Flood Risk and Resiliency Study is available at: https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Civil-Works-Programs-And-Projects/Lower-Missouri-River-Basin/