#2: Lower Missouri River
Threat: Climate change, poor flood managementPublic safety is at risk with major flooding expecting to worsen
Missouri River flooding | Sgt. Oscar Sanchez
A critical artery of the Great Plains, the lower Missouri River plays a vital role in our nation’s economy. Excessive dam building on the upper river and levees throughout the region, combined with increasingly frequent and severe flooding exacerbated by climate change, put the river’s communities and industries at risk. The Great Flood of 2019 resulted in extremely high and prolonged flooding that overtopped and breached levees in hundreds of locations. Experts predict a “wetter-than-normal” 2020 will bring another year of heavy flooding. In order to protect public safety and taxpayer investment, states and local governments must initiate flood protection solutions that give the river room, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must prioritize multi-benefit projects that reduce flood risk and restore habitat.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Great Rivers Habitat Alliance
- Missouri Coalition for the Environment
- Sierra Club Nebraska
