Rep. Smith tours flooded local areas

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, toured St. John's Bayou and New Madrid Floodway areas Tuesday to view land affected by recent flooding.

Smith and Riley James, president of St. John's Levee Board, discussed the pending St. Johns Bayou and New Madrid Floodway project that would close a levee 1,500 gap, install pumping stations and modify ditches.

The project, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is designed to manage flood risks to St. Johns Bayou and in the floodway. But environmental groups and some Illinois government representatives and residents are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to veto the project. Opponents believe it potentially could harm wildlife and worsen flooding in communities on the east side of the Mississippi River.

Smith has expressed support for the project, which he has said will bring economic benefits through farming profits and increased activity.

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, MO