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Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan
AUTHORIZATION : Section 459 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1999
BACKGROUND : The Great Flood of 1993 resulted in catastrophic damages throughout much of the Upper Mississippi River basin . Forty seven deaths were attributed to the flood and flood damages exceeded $15 billion. About half of the flood damages were related to agricultural losses. Approximately 74,000 people were evacuated and flooding damaged 72,000 homes. In-place flood damage reduction facilities (e.g. levees, etc.) built by the Corps of Engineers (Corps) prevented an estimated $19 billion in potential additional damages. While the Great Flood of 1993 could not be prevented, an integrated system of flood damage reduction and floodplain management measures could have further reduced the amount of damages incurred.
STUDY DESCRIPTION: The Comprehensive Plan for the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers developed a systemic, integrated strategy and implementation plan for flood damage reduction and related environmental restoration. The plan was developed in coordination with the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin; the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association; and non-governmental organizations such as the Upper Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers Association, and the Mississippi River Basin Alliance. The work included documentation of the existing conditions, formulation and evaluation of alternatives for flood damage reduction, and public involvement efforts. Existing data and information was used.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES: The Comprehensive Plan evaluated alternatives for a systemic, multipurpose flood damage reduction project that is consistent with environmental sustainability goals. Both structural and non-structural measures were considered in developing the plan. Follow-on project implementation and/or feasibility studies will be required if the analysis indicates there is a feasible project. Future studies, preconstruction engineering and design (PED), and construction will require applicable cost sharing. A final report was completed in February 2008.