As he continues to raise awareness with federal, state and local officials to prepare for potential flooding along the Missouri River, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) encouraged people to visit his official website containing flood resource links through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

With 142 miles of the Missouri River running through the 9^th District, Luetkemeyer is focused on serving as an advocate for river communities in Congress. In preparation for any potential flooding event, people are encouraged to visit the congressman’s website at / and scroll down to the flood resources section. The site includes tips on how to best prepare for a flood, cope during a flood, and recover after a flood, among other valuable information.

“It is critical that our communities be as informed as possible about the release of water from upriver states so that they can prepare for what could be devstating amounts of water over the next few weeks,” Luetkemeyer said. “It is my hope that these additional resources will help prepare people for what may be coming our way.”

   Rapidly changing weather conditions and winter runoff in Montana, northern Wyoming and the western Dakotas have prompted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make adjustments to previously announced reservoir releases to beyond historic levels in the next few weeks. Luetkemeyer has already discussed the situation directly with Brig. Gen. John McMahon, commander of the Northwestern Division of the Army Corps of Engineers. The releases out of Montana, northern Wyoming and the western Dakotas could double previous record releases in some areas along the northern Missouri River, potentially impacting every farmer, business and community along the river. A partial levee breach in Atchison County, Missouri over the weekend underscores the severity of the situation and the possibility for increased damage as high waters travel from the upper basin.

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