Pacific, Mo., mayor wants to explore buyout, levee

PACIFIC, Mo. -- The mayor of Pacific said Monday he wants to explore building a levee or federal buyout of flood-affected parts of his town.

Mayor Herbert Adams will hold a town-hall meeting at 7 p.m. today to discuss the town's options. He said one resident has proposed creating a lake for overflow from the Meramec River.

"Citizens want some kind of result ... they do want some kind of protection," Adams said. "Citizens are split on what exactly needs to be done."

Representatives from government agencies and the community's congressional delegation are expected to attend. Floods damaged more than 200 Pacific homes and businesses in March.

Adams said he has canvassed about 30 of the 180-plus homeowners whose properties were flooded. He said they need to hear their options from people in state and federal government.

He said a buyout could take up to eight years, while a levee might require 11 years.

"Any solution for Pacific is not going to be overnight," he said.

He said he'd like to propose annexing property to build new neighborhoods aimed at senior citizens, young families, and wealthier homeowners.