Enyart Hosts Southern Illinois Flood Roundtable

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Bill Enyart (IL-12) convened a roundtable of officials at Shawnee Community College in Ullin to discuss flood prevention and flood response, along with the spring 2014 flood forecast. The roundtable was designed to bring together state and federal agencies with local officials and elected leaders, in an exchange of information and future planning.

Enyart was joined by officials from the Illinois National Guard, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, Office of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, and local officials. "Today's discussion was critical to ensure a safe future should flooding hit Southern Illinois again. We've seen what flood waters can do to the region in the past, and we are working together to make sure that we are as prepared as possible for this upcoming spring flood season," said Enyart.

"Southern Illinois residents have dealt with severe flooding several times in the past few years," said Jonathon Monken, Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. "While we can't prevent the rivers from spilling over their banks, it's important that all of us -- residents, local officials and the State of Illinois -- be prepared so we can do our best to minimize the risk to lives and damage to homes and critical infrastructure. Today's roundtable hosted by Congressman Enyart is a great example of how we can come together before disaster strikes to ensure we're prepared when the next flood hits."

"The levees and reservoirs in St. Louis District prevented more than 3.4 billion dollars in damages during last year's floods, and prevented any loss of life," said Col. Christopher Hall, commander of the St. Louis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "That success is not just attributed to structures. It requires the partnership of our elected leaders, levee districts and responders at all levels of government. Through these ongoing partnerships, we have been able to better prepare for high water, respond more effectively, recover more quickly, and reduce flood risk to the public."

Today's discussion was designed to not only bring stakeholders together, but to also discuss how stakeholders can work together in the future to prevent flooding, and respond accordingly in the instance of a flood.

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