Gov. Nixon praises cooperation in Birds Point evacuation; reiterates opposition to intentional breach

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon praised the efforts of local law enforcement and the Missouri National Guard in evacuating the residents that would be affected by an intentional breach of the Birds Point levee.

In a news release issued Wednesday evening, the governor praise Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore and New Madrid County Sheriff Terry M. Stevens and the cooperation with the National Guard.

"This is no small undertaking, involving the evacuation of more than 200 residents from 75 homes," Gov. Nixon said. "Sheriffs Moore and Stevens, their deputies, and the citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Missouri National Guard are using their training and professionalism to carry out this evacuation in a safe but rapid manner. I greatly appreciate this coordinated, cooperative effort to move people out of harm's way, and to ensure that the homes, farms and other private property are secure while the residents are temporarily away."

The governor also repeated his opposition to the corps potential plan to break the levee, even though the levee was designed to be intentionally breached to protect other areas along the river, including Cairo, Ill.

Senior members of his administration are scheduled to testify on Thursday in federal court in Cape Girardeau as part of the state's lawsuit to stop the Corps plan.

"I am still opposed to the plan by the Corps of Engineers to intentionally breach the Birds Point levee, and I have clearly communicated my very serious concerns to high-ranking officials with the Corps," Gov. Nixon said. "As Missouri families deal with this dangerous flooding, intentionally breaching this levee would be a harmful and inappropriate action that would add to their suffering."

In the news release, the Governor commended the Missouri State Highway Patrol as well, which also has been providing assistance to local law enforcement.