The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a feasibility study of the Lower Grand River area.
o The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Transportation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission are project partners.
o The project will address recognized problems in the area including flooding, sedimentation, bank erosion, log jams, and loss of important aquatic habitats.
o Wetland communities at Pershing State Park, Fountain Grove Conservation Area, and surrounding private lands have also been impacted by issues in the project area.
o The outcome of the feasibility study will include an approved project recommendation report with a recommended plan for construction, along with associated design and permitting documentation.
o Benefits to addressing these issues include stabilizing eroding banks, reducing loss of agricultural land, protecting infrastructure such as bridges and roads, and restoring wetland habitats.
o Potential projects on private property, drainage or levee districts would be included only with voluntary participation.
o After report approval by the Chief of Engineers, authority for project construction and funding for implementation can be requested from Congress. Project construction is cost shared 65% by the Corps of Engineers and 35% by the state and local partners.