MO SCR16

In 2011, heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and intentional water releases by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers caused unprecedented flooding along the Missouri River, destroying homes, farms, and businesses across Missouri and impacting thousands of residents.

An independent technical review panel concluded in December 2011 that while the Corps followed its Master Manual, the manual lacks adequate flexibility to protect the public from extreme weather events and should treat such events as part of potential climate patterns rather than rare occurrences.

The resolution urges the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to accept the review panel's recommendations and modify the Missouri River Master Manual to prioritize flood control in river management activities.

The Corps is instructed to allow greater flexibility in managing reservoir storage and spring water rise to anticipate and respond to higher than expected precipitation and prevent future catastrophic flooding disasters.

The Missouri Senate Secretary is directed to send inscribed copies of the resolution to the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Missouri's Congressional delegation.