Our state borders the two longest rivers in the United States. To our east is the Mighty Mississippi. To the west and through the heart of the state is the Missouri River
In my district alone, we touch approximately 284 miles of the Missouri, and more than 100 miles of the Upper Mississippi River.
That is one of the main reasons I serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House of Representatives. During my time there, I have made water infrastructure issues one of my top priorities.
A few weeks ago, the House passed a bill that I helped write as a member of that Committee. This bill prioritizes flood protection and invests in river infrastructure, including ports and inland harbors, allowing our farmers and small businesses to continue shipping goods produced right here in Missouri to places all over the world. And all these investments are offset with cuts to current spending.
Specifically, the 2016 Water Resources Development Act contains provisions to shore up levees that protect businesses in the Kansas City metropolitan area and across our state.
Kansas City has become one of the major economic hubs of the Midwest, especially in Missouri. But without reliable levees along the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, businesses and infrastructure in the area would always be vulnerable to the next major flooding event.
Fortunately, the flood and river management priorities in this bill provide protections for Missourians, and give piece of mind to farmers, home owners, and businesses throughout the state.
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