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I hope you saw my latest weekly column.



ROGER WICKER: Long-Awaited Plan Is a Major Step Forward
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In 1941, the federal government pledged to build flood control measures along
the whole Mississippi River, but decades of incorrect information and
bureaucratic stalling kept a solution out of reach for the South Delta. In the
eighty years since, the people of the Yazoo Backwater Area have experienced
setback after setback waiting for the government to keep its promise.

With the announcement of a new flood water management proposal, that hope may
finally be fulfilled. Government officials unveiled the plan this week at a
meeting with community members, and they are asking for the public’s feedback.
I welcome the proposal and am eager to see it completed.


Plan is Based on Community Feedback


Bureaucrats in Washington have had the luxury to debate water management
solutions. Meanwhile, those living in the South Delta have realized that every
spring could deliver a life-altering flood. Residents have pursued solutions
but have been met with resistance, such as in 2008, when an effort to install
pumps was blocked by the EPA. The stalemate was finally broken last year when
the Mississippi delegation invited a group of executive agency representatives
to hear directly from Mississippians.

Hundreds of Yazoo Backwater Area residents packed into Rolling Fork’s high
school auditorium to share how the constant floods brought hardship and loss to
their lives. I watched as locals shared their honest stories and communicated
the overwhelming urgency of the situation. This was certainly not the first
time residents shared their concerns with federal officials, but this time, the
message got through. The team from Washington listened and learned from
Mississippians. Events like these convinced them to take the problem seriously
and focus on a solution.

After the listening session, I continued to work with executive agencies to
develop a plan for the federal government to move ahead with this long-delayed
project. This week’s announcement is the first concrete result of our work, and
it is a massive step forward.


Water Management Plan Protects Long-Afflicted Areas


The proposed plan would protect a large portion of the Yazoo Backwater Area
from flooding. A series of new pumping stations would drain the water that
pools on the flood plain during periods of heavy rainfall. In crop season, the
pumps would activate when water nears 90 feet. Out of season, they would turn
on to keep water from exceeding 93 feet. Whatever the season, pumping stations
will still operate at greater capacity than under previous proposals. The
limited number of residents whose property falls inside the projected flood
zone will be able to receive government help raising their homes, building ring
levees, or moving outside the risk area.


Mississippi is Ready for Progress


I know Mississippians are ready for a construction date to arrive. As we move
toward that day, the project planners have set aside time for residents to give
feedback on the proposal. I encourage everyone in the Yazoo Backwater Area to
share their stories and opinions so federal officials can incorporate local
input into the new water management program.

Like many in our state, I have spent years pushing for flood control projects
in the South Delta, the type of flood prevention other states have enjoyed for
years. I am encouraged that now may be the time for residents of the Yazoo
Backwater Area to finally get the relief they are due.



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Thank you for your support,



Senator Roger Wicker

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Wicker for Senate.



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