FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 31

92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

2217L.01I

         Whereas, the last comprehensive study of Missouri's floodplains, entitled "Missouri's Swamp and Overflowed Lands and Their Reclamation" was conducted by the General Assembly in 1913; and

 

            Whereas, the United States Army Corps of Engineers were given directions to construct flood control structures, such as dams, reservoirs, and levees, on the Mississippi, Missouri, and other rivers following flood events in the 1930's, however, many of these structures were not designed to protect against the largest floods with recurrence intervals of more than 100 years; and

 

            Whereas, many rivers in Missouri have been modified in ways that may affect the severity and duration of flood events; and

 

            Whereas, between 1993 and 1995, Missouri received eight Presidential Declarations of Flooding that exceeded local and state response capabilities, with the flood of 1993 causing an estimated $3 billion dollars in damages in Missouri alone and ruining more cropland, destroying more residences, businesses, public facilities, and transportation facilities, and costing taxpayers more money than any other flood in the state's long history of flooding; and

 

            Whereas, while floodplains can provide significant fertile agricultural land, opportunities for economic development, recreational opportunities, and important wildlife habitat, achieving a balance among these beneficial multiple use of floodplains can best be obtained through integrated floodplain management; and

 

            Whereas, proper floodplain management cannot be planned without an accurate assessment of current conditions:

 

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-second General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby authorize the Joint Committee on Wetlands, established in Section 21.475, RSMo, to undertake a comprehensive study to assess Missouri's floodplains, including current land use patterns, trends in development and levee construction, impacts of land use and development on flooding frequencies, public and private costs, and the costs and benefits of floodplain management.