Smith visits Cape for first time as member of Congress

Newly elected 8th Congressional District Rep. Jason Smith participated in his first meetings on the job Friday in Cape Girardeau.

He began his morning at the First Friday Coffee with the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce before meeting with members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District.

The meeting took place in front of the floodwall in downtown Cape Girardeau, within sight of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. There, Smith listened to updates on projects and flood-fighting efforts.

The Mississippi River crested Friday morning at 44.53 feet, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky. It is the eighth-highest level on record.

So far, no major problems associated with the flooding have been reported by the corps or local emergency officials, though several area roads remain closed.

Smith said the river is the "lifeblood of the 8th Congressional District," so flooding concerns always are a top priority.

"I want to make sure federal agencies are doing everything they can to address flooding issues," he said. "I was sworn in less than 48 hours ago, so I think it sends a strong message to Cape and to the rest of the district that I'm here actually in Cape discussing the issues on the day the river is cresting."

Smith also noted flooding is not a problem limited to areas near the river. When the rising river floods crops, he said, it is a problem that concerns all of Missouri.

"Just seven of these counties produce roughly a third of all agricultural income for the entire state," he said.

"So if the flooding affects them, then it affects all of us."

Smith said he wanted to make an effort to be "proactive and involved" when it came to flooding issues.

Julie Ziino, executive liaison officer for the corps' St. Louis District, was among the group at the floodwall to greet Smith.

She said the representative's decision to meet with them in his first days on the job showed a level of commitment to the area.

Smith said he planned to spend the rest of his day in Cape Girardeau meeting with business leaders and voters before moving on to Poplar Bluff, Mo.

He said it is important to spend his early days in office meeting people of the 8th District.

"I'm excited to meet the voters, both those that participated in my campaign and those that didn't," said Smith. "I might work in Washington, but I live in the district."

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, MO