Missouri Riverbed Degradation
On March 14, a briefing was held for the region's congressional representation and other interested parties regarding the significant drop in bed levels along the Missouri River.
The Current Situation
The Missouri River bed levels have dropped between St. Joseph and St.
Louis, with the most serious problems within the Kansas City reach, river miles
340 to 400.
The problem continues to intensify, with impacts on water supply, industry and public infrastructure due to low river levels and other factors.
Current Impacts
The situation has required area water suppliers to invest tens of millions
of dollars on new water intake facilities. Other utilities and industries face
similar costs to protect facilities and maintain operations.
Public investments in habitat restoration and other infrastructure, including flood control levees, could be threatened.
Investigative Study Needed
The area’s congressional delegation has requested funds for the U.S. Army
Corps of
Engineers to investigate the source of the Missouri River bed’s degradation
for several
years; however, no funds have been appropriated. The investigation would determine
the causes of the problem, and would allow the Corps to then determine possible
actions to mitigate the problem.
Support Needed
The Water Resources Development Act is up for Congressional reauthorization,
and
projects are being identified by members of Congress for appropriations. Members
of
Congress need to hear from community and business leaders about the importance
of
funding for this investigation.
Materials from the briefing
(pdf files)
- Briefing Notes
Taken by Tammy Wright, Kansas City Board of Public Utilities - Bed Degradation in the Missouri and Kansas Rivers near Kansas City Presentation by Dale Blevins, U.S. Geological Survey
- Adverse Impacts of
Bed Degradation
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Missouri River
Degradation at KCBPU (2MB)
Presentation by Patrick J. Cassidy, Kansas City Board of Public Utilities - Missouri River Degradation
presentation by John Grothaus and Michael Chapman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Handout from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers