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House Conservation Committee Considers Protection of Flood Plains

April 2, 2003
By: Matt Talhelm
State Capital Bureau

As Missouri approaches the tenth anniversary of the great '93 flood, state legislators are considering a bill that would help prevent further loss of property in the event of another big flood.

The proposed bill would limit further growth on river flood plains by requiring special permits from local governments or the State Emergency Management Agencty.

Supporters of the bill say that's a good thing because it keeps people out of the water's way.

Recalling memories of the '93 flood, Representative Denny Merideth says growth in the past ten years has put people and buildings in the path of future floods.

Actuality: merideth.wav
RunTime: 11
OutCue: "...lives at risk."
Contents: We have continued to go back in those areas and continue to build and develop in there, continually eliminating those flood plains, continually to put buildings, people, and lives at risk.

In the past ten years, ninety percent of flood plain land has been covered by development. Yet, Merideth says Missouri is behind other states in flood plain protection.