Corps projects less funding, little chance of flooding

MINER, Mo. -- Less funding with little chance of flooding is in the forecast for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this spring.

Corps officials accompanied by hydrologists from the National Weather Service held an open meeting Tuesday morning at the Drury Inn in Miner to provide information and answer questions.

While civil employees are to be exempt from being placed on furlough, Col. Vernie Reichling, Memphis District commander, said a 5-percent cut in funding for programs is likely this year.

"The corps is going to be affected by the sequester," Reichling said. The sequester, however, "shall not affect our flood preparedness."

Mary Lamm, hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., said spring flooding should be minor as there isn't the snow pack this year that contributed to the 2011 flood or changes in weather patterns that would bring an extraordinary rainfall.

She said it may be a little while before the expected spring temperatures arrive, however.

"When will it warm up?" Lamm said. "How's May?"

She explained there is a "a persistent low pressure" area keeping things cold.

"It's very strong, it's not moving," Lamm said.

Pertinent address:

Miner, Mo.