05.02.11

Durbin Statement on Army Corps Decision to Intentionally Breach Levee in Order to Save Cairo, Illinois from Devastating Floods

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after Major General Michael Walsh of the Army Corps of Engineers announced that they will intentionally breach a levee in order relieve pressure to levees downstream and potentially save Cairo, Illinois – a town of roughly 3,000 people – from devastating floods.

 

“I talked with General Walsh several times over the weekend and made clear that I would stand by whatever decision he made. I know he is using the best scientific information available and doing everything he can to minimize the damage caused by these flood waters. I think tonight’s decision is the right decision for Cairo and one that will hopefully prevent massive flooding from displacing thousands of Illinois families,” said Durbin.

 

“I will also stand by my colleagues from Missouri and other states in the Midwest to make sure that residents and businesses that suffer great losses can recover with help from the federal government. Though it doesn’t make it easier for those affected, if intentionally breaching the levee in Missouri saves an entire city, the cost to the government will be dramatically less than it otherwise might have been.”

 

Earlier today, Durbin took to the floor of the United States Senate to stress the severity of the flooding in Southern Illinois. On Friday, Durbin toured the region and visited Cairo to consult with federal, state, and local officials on their flood preparation and control efforts.