City administrator: No problems in New Madrid

New Madrid, so far, is in good shape.

That's the word late this afternoon from City Administrator John Gilbert, who has spent much of the day touring the city of some 3,000 people nestled next to the Mississippi River.

The Army Corps of Engineers tonight plans to detonate the third and final position on the southern end of the Birds Point-New Madrid levee.

Water street, adjacent the levee, has been shut down due to seep water coming up, the city manager said.

"I don't see anything that's a problem at this point. We're in constant contact with the corps," he said.

The city's main concern is the Mississippi River is not expected to crest -- at 50 feet -- until Saturday, and predictions are the crest should hold for several days, Gilbert said.

"That puts a lot of pressure on all these cities along the river," he said, "but right now we have minimal problems here."

The historic high waters and the corps' explosive action to breach the levee have drawn a lot of onlookers, Gilbert said. Vehicle traffic is restricted on the levee, but foot traffic still is allowed.

"This is something that's unprecedented. They've never seen waters this high," the city manager said.

mkittle@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, MO