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House bill aims to improve Mississippi River levees to protect against flooding

Legislation introduced in the US House would help levee districts along the upper Mississippi River better prepare for future floods.

The Upper Mississippi River Levee Safety Act grants local districts more flexibility to maintain levee systems and addresses federal regulatory challenges that have curbed improvements.

A delegation from Illinois including Representatives Darin LaHood, Mary Miller, Mike Bost and Eric Sorensen introduced the bill.

LaHood says inland waterway improvements are critical to allow farmers to export commodities around the world. Miller adds that Mississippi River levees protect rural communities and thousands of acres of farmland from flooding and maintenance is key to continue that security.

The Upper Mississippi, Illinois & Missouri Rivers Association, Corn Belt Ports and Illinois Farm Bureau also support the legislation.