Time running out for Delta to raise money for drainage project

Time is running out to get the money for a project to reduce flooding in Delta.

Representatives of the Little River Drainage District told the Cape Girardeau County Commission on Thursday that about $1 million in federal funding is set aside for the restoration of drainage near an 11-mile stretch along the remnants of the old Whitewater Creek. But before the project can begin, $166,400 must be raised for removal of brush and debris from drainage ditches. The project must be complete by Sept. 30 or the money is forfeited.

If Delta officials are unsuccessful in raising the $166,400 through a grant or another avenue soon, the lack of drainage that contributes to the flooding of Delta could last for decades, district president Larry Dowdy said. Dowdy said the chances of federal money being awarded again "in most of our lifetimes is slim to none."

Because of silt buildup in drainage ditches, flooding occurs in Delta farm fields, yards and streets during heavy rains. The project would dredge the ditch bottoms.

Leaders from Delta said they've attempted to solve the problem but have been unsuccessful.

"When we had heavy rain on Highway 25 recently, it was filled with water," Mayor Bonnie Bradshaw said. "There is nowhere for it to go. It has to come back to us."

In addition to raising $166,400, the project faces another hurdle.

Though 28 landowners have agreed to allow the project to take place on their land, Dowdy said he and others have been unsuccessful in convincing two remaining landowners to follow suit. Dowdy said he was unsure why the two landowners had not agreed.

Efforts by the Southeast Missourian to reach the landowners were unsuccessful.

"We feel it's time for someone to step up to the plate and get the two pieces of right of way and get it done," Dowdy said.

Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said using eminent domain could take months or even years.

"We have never utilized eminent domain or condemnation processes ever," Jones said. "We're not fired up about starting but don't want this project to fall by the wayside."

The commissioners agreed to meet with Dowdy and others from the district and Delta this week to discuss the matter after further research.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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