FUTURE OF COMMERCE LOOKS BRIGHT IN WAKE OF FLOOD BUYOUTS

After nearly $2.5 million in state and federal funds were spent on buyouts, it appears the long-term flood problems in tiny Commerce, on the Mississippi River south of Scott City, have been addressed.

Some 25 houses were purchased in the buyouts that followed the 1995 flooding in Commerce. Most of those houses were destroyed after families were relocated elsewhere. In just a few cases, houses in the flood area were moved to higher ground.

Commerce is an easy flood target, because until the buyouts many of the houses were virtually at river level. There are no protective floodwalls or dikes there, which in some ways was the appeal of living there: a good and unobstructed view of the river.

But after the 1995 floods -- the most recent in a long history of flooding -- the option of buyouts was made available. This issue created considerable discussion and criticism, and even today there remains some rancor about the program.

The simple fact is, however, that those houses won't ever be flooded again. In the long run, money will be saved because the cost of restoring the flooded houses won't be necessary. Neither will the occupants of those houses be subjected to the misery and terror of rising floodwaters.

All in all, the spirit of Commerce seems as strong as ever. As a matter of fact, there are signs here and there of a new attitude and renewed determination to make sure Commerce never disappears from the map. Some folks hope to capitalize on the town's location along the river's edge. Efforts are being made to inject new life into the old town, which has seen more than its share of hard luck.

With the buyouts out of the way and the continued grit of those Commerce residents who see a brighter future, the town has much to be proud of. Some of that pride, no doubt, will provide the foundation for whatever bright future lies ahead.