Mississippi River 

Commission

Executive Summary of Testimony

403rd Session 

August 24 – August 26, 2020 
Mississippi River Commission

Mississippi River & Tributaries Project

Authority

Designation of Functions and Agencies for the Execution of the Mississippi River Flood 

Control Project Adopted by the Act approved May 15, 1928.

1) Section 8 of the Flood Control Act approved May 15, 1928 reads as follows:

“The project herein authorized shall be prosecuted by the Mississippi River Commission 

under the direction of the Secretary of War and supervision of the Chief of Engineers and 

subject to the provisions of this act. It shall perform such functions and through such 

agencies as they shall designate after consultation and discussion with the president of the 

commission. For all other purposes the existing laws governing the constitution and activities 

of the commission shall remain unchanged. The commission shall make inspection trips of 

such frequency and duration as will enable it to acquire first-hand information as to 

conditions and problems germane to the matter of flood control within the area of its 

jurisdiction; and on such trips of inspection ample opportunity for hearings and suggestions 

shall be afforded persons affected by or interested in such problems. The president of the 

commission shall be the executive officer thereof.”

2) After consultation and discussion with the President of the Mississippi River Commission,

in accordance with the law set forth above, the following functions and agencies of the

Mississippi River Commission, in connection with the execution of flood control work in

the Mississippi Valley, hereby designated by the Secretary of War and the Chief of

Engineers:

(a) Making the inspection trips and holding the public hearings described under

Section 8 of the Act approved May 15, 1928.

(b) Recommendation of the policy for the development of the details of the project

adopted by law.

(c) Recommendation of the policy for carrying out the work under the adopted

project.

(d) Consideration and recommendation of the general character and types of work to

be used in construction under the adopted project.

(e) Recommendation annually of the program of work to be undertaken during the

following fiscal year.

(f) Recommendations upon any matters authorized by law.

(g) The executive officer of the Commission and Engineer Districts of the Mississippi

Valley are designated as agencies for carrying out the project.

1
Mississippi River Commission

Executive Summary

Proceedings 403rd Session 

August 24 – August 26, 2020

The Mississippi River Commission (MRC) has a proud heritage that dates back to June 28, 1879, when 

Congress established the seven-member presidentially appointed commission with the mission to transform the 

Mississippi River into a reliable commercial artery while protecting adjacent towns and fertile agricultural 

lands from destructive floods. Following the devastating 1927 Flood, Congress authorized the Mississippi 

River and Tributaries (MR&T) project and charged the MRC with overseeing the prosecution of the project. As 

part of this responsibility, Congress required the commission to conduct annual inspection trips, which were to 

include public hearings and inspections of features of the MR&T project. For 92 years, the commission has 

conducted these annual inspection trips aboard the Motor Vessel Mississippi, once during the high-water 

season and once during the low-water season. 

The commission held its 403rd Session from August 24-August 26, 2020, with public meetings in 

Caruthersville, Mo., and Greenville, Miss. The commission intended to hold four public meetings and inspect 

540 miles of the Mississippi River from Caruthersville, Mo., to the Old River Control Complex, as well as 99 

miles of the Atchafalaya River. However, the commission had to cancel two of its scheduled public meetings. 

The Memphis public meeting scheduled for August 25 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 

commission had to cancel the last two days of the trip as well as the public meeting scheduled for August 28 in 

Morgan City, La., due to hurricanes Marco and Laura. The back-to-back hurricanes made landfall during the 

early morning of Tuesday, August 25 (Marco) and overnight on Thursday, August 27 (Laura). At the request 

of Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, Chief of Engineers, Maj. Gen. Diana Holland departed for Baton Rouge on August 

25 to meet with the Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security 

and Emergency Preparedness on August 26. In Maj. Gen. Holland’s absence, Hon. Dr. Norma Jean Mattei

served as acting president of the commission during the Greenville public meeting. 

This was also the first session since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the commission had to cancel 

the previously scheduled 403rd session in the spring due to the Center for Disease Control’s and local 

governments’ restrictions on public gatherings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the inspection trip, 

the commission mandated strict social distancing guidelines to minimize the risk to partners, the commission, 

the staff and crew members. No more than 30 people were allowed in the public hearing room at a time, 

including the commission and its staff. Consequently, only partners providing testimony were allowed on the 

vessel and audience membership was restricted. 

The purpose of the commission’s inspection trip process is to maintain a consistent connection - an exchange of 

viewpoints and ideas among the public, partners, stakeholders, elected officials, the Mississippi River 

Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and agencies from the private, state and federal sectors. This 

process provides a greater voice for those who live and work in the region to shape federal management and 

policy of the river. The following proceedings are a summary of the testimony provided at the public hearings, 

as well as a summary of the site visits and inspections conducted during the session. Twenty-four partners 

spoke before the commission and provided formal written testimony. Another 24 partners filed formal 

statements for the record, electronically. The audio, transcripts, formal written testimony and commission’s 

written responses are held on file at the Mississippi River Commission Headquarters in Vicksburg, Miss. 

________________________________

Charles A. Camillo

Executive Director

Mississippi River Commission

2
Mississippi River Commission

Purpose & Objectives

403rd Session 

August 24 – August 26, 2020

Purpose

The intent behind the Mississippi River Commission inspection trips, carried out under the 

authority of Section 8 of the 1928 Flood Control Act, is two-fold: 

1. Site visits and inspections provide the commission with a boots-on-the-ground

understanding through the inspection of key MR&T project features that convey floods or

facilitate commerce. Likewise, the commission visits public infrastructure, businesses and

other enterprises from the transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, commerce and energy

sectors that benefit from flood control and navigation improvements. Through this process,

the commission is able to meet with local sponsors and entrepreneurs and gain a deeper

understanding of the impacts of federal investments and engineering improvements on local,

regional and national economies.

2. Public meetings and partnering sessions allow stakeholders, partners and members of the

public to meet with the commission to discuss local and regional concerns related to the

MR&T project and other flood control, navigation and water resources challenges. The

commission uses the knowledge gained to foster a better understanding of the needs of the

region, to improve the management of the watershed and to inform policymakers.

Objectives for the 403rd Session

GOAL 1: Allow the public to share their concerns through public testimony and through the 

submission of formal written statements. Through this process, commission members hear firsthand accounts from those people impacted and develop a dialogue centered on providing 

solutions for the challenges facing the region. The commission responds publicly to questions 

and provides formal written responses to each speaker. This democratic process allows the 

commission to inform policy makers and determine key regional issues. 

GOAL 2: Demonstrate that the execution of the MR&T Program continues despite the ongoing 

pandemic. While using accepted safety protocols and social distancing measures, conduct faceto-face discussions, site visits and presentations that provide the commission and staff with the 

opportunity to meet with stakeholders, partners and the public on a more intimate and personal 

level. Through this process, the commission is able to gain a better understanding of the needs 

of the region so that these needs can be better communicated to key leaders and policy makers 

to improve the management of the watershed.

3
Mississippi River Commission

Top Regional Issues

403rd Session 

August 24 – August 26, 2020

Yazoo Backwater Flooding and Pump Project: Summary of Testimony 

The Yazoo Backwater Area experienced record flooding in 2019 that placed 550,000 acres underwater, 

including 250,000 acres of farmland and 515 homes and businesses. Farmers were unable to plant crops 

and residents of one of the poorest regions in the entire country were economically devastated. The 

flooding also damaged trees, wildlife and the environment, as the carcasses of dead animals were 

strewn about the flooded lands and forests of critical bottomland hardwood were severely damaged or 

even killed. The area flooded once again in 2020 with approximately 500,000 acres inundated. 

Residents who had not yet recovered from last year’s flood once again faced the prospect of economic 

devastation. The flooding also spilled over into the adjacent Eagle lake area, where the Muddy Bayou 

structure which normally prevents the Yazoo backwater from backing into Eagle Lake was overtopped. 

Eagle Lake residents are now flooded from both sides, all of which would have been preventable if the 

authorized pumps were in place.

The people who live and work in the Yazoo Backwater Area overwhelmingly support the 

completion of the pump project. The commission heard numerous testimonies from people who live 

and work in the region describing the real-life impacts of the flood. Most of these testimonies contain 

stories from individuals, families and businesses describing how they have been personally impacted by 

flooding and all expressed strong support for the pump project. 

Without the pump project, the Backwater Area remains subject to serious flooding every year. If the 

pump project were in place in 2019, backwater flood elevations would have been nearly six feet lower 

and flooding would have been prevented on approximately 200,000 acres, including 122,000 acres of 

crop land. The pumps also would have prevented the majority of homes from being flooded and no 

highways would have been inundated. The pump project also would have provided critical habitat for 

the wildlife trying to survive during the flood. Instead, 231,000 acres of crop land were not planted in 

2019, major roads and highways were underwater, and 686 homes were flooded. On June 13, 2019, two 

people drowned trying to turn around in the Backwater Area near Holly Bluff. The wildlife population 

and the environment were decimated. In 2020, the flooding repeated, as 500,000 acres flooded, 

including 202,000 acres of crop land which farmers could not plant.

Of the four backwater areas within the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) Project, Congress 

authorized pumps for all four. To date, only the Yazoo pump remains unconstructed. In 2007, the 

Vicksburg District completed its report on the pump project, but the EPA vetoed the project in 2008. 

Since then, the area has flooded nine of the last 10 years. The commission has strongly supported the 

Corps of Engineers’ request for the EPA to reconsider its veto. The Vicksburg District is currently 

updating the 2007 environmental documentation for the project with new data gathered over the last 

decade. The district and commission have also been working vigilantly with its partners to complete the 

SEIS and construction on the pump project, meeting with Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, Mississippi’s 

congressional delegation and the EPA. The Vicksburg District is scheduled to complete its 

environmental and economic analysis by mid-September 2020, and the Corps of Engineers is working 

towards having a final document in early 2021.

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Mississippi River Commission

Top Regional Issues

403rd Session 

August 24 – August 26, 2020

Interior Drainage and Ditch Cleanout: Summary of Testimony

Our partners throughout the lower Mississippi Valley request funding for maintenance and repair of 

drainage ditches in order to maximize the benefits of the MR&T.

The Mississippi River Alluvial Valley consists of 24 million acres of the most fertile agricultural lands in the 

world. These lands are crisscrossed by thousands of miles of drainage ditches that transport the runoff from the 

lower Mississippi Valley into the tributaries of the Mississippi River and ultimately into the Mississippi itself. 

The drainage ditches act as an interconnected system that provides interior flood protection for the lands 

protected by the Mississippi River mainline levee system. Proper performance of the interior drainage system is 

essential for maximizing the protection offered by the Mississippi River mainline levees. The interior drainage 

system transports runoff away from developed areas and agricultural lands and into the main drainage channels, 

and ultimately into the Mississippi River. If this drainage system includes blockages or inefficient channels, the 

water backs up, flooding the very lands the MR&T system is designed to protect. For the MR&T to function as 

designed, interior drainage must be maintained and must be recognized as a part of the system.

Because of the lack of maintenance in these drainage ditches, the benefits of the Federal investment in the 

MR&T Project are reduced. Improvement of the interior drainage through bank stabilization, removal of 

blockages, and increased channel capacity maximizes the benefits of the Federal investment in the MR&T levee 

system and other improvements. The MR&T is a system and to fully realize the maximum benefits of the 

system the Corps of Engineers must properly maintain drainage ditches. 

Groundwater Sustainability: Summary of Testimony

Our partners support having water supply and groundwater sustainability added as a Corps of Engineers 

mission or as a project mission. The Alluvial and Sparta Aquifers supply groundwater to thousands of people in 

eastern Arkansas, northern Louisiana, and portions of Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee. This includes 

drinking water, as well as water to support agriculture and industry. Until the late 1990s, local communities 

used groundwater from these aquifers for industry and drinking water. In agricultural areas, irrigated crops such 

as rice require significant volumes of water to grow it efficiently. Although rice farmers use all the surface and 

runoff water they can capture and reuse this same water over and over through tail water recovery systems, this 

supply of water is not sufficient for the irrigation of rice. To meet the total demand, they have to withdraw 

significant volumes of groundwater at a rate that is not sustainable to the aquifer in many areas. One such 

project, which includes not only protection to the aquifer from over pumping, but also flood control and 

environmental restoration , is the Bayou Meto Project in Arkansas. The customer for this project is seeking 

Federal Appropriations to advance construction on this project.

In other areas, the declining groundwater levels have been slowed by reducing the reliance on groundwater and 

instead utilizing improved irrigation techniques and diverting water from nearby streams. As a result of these 

efforts, groundwater levels have risen 109 feet since 2004 at one well in Union County, Arkansas. Our partners 

have requested the commission’s continued support for projects to restore the depleted aquifers and for water 

supply and groundwater sustainability to be added as a Corps of Engineers mission.

Our partners are currently working with their congressional delegation to have WRDA 2020 include water 

supply as a project purpose for the Ouachita-Black Navigation Project. Irrigation for agricultural use continues 

to grow as an evolving use of the river. Thousands of acres of agricultural fields are becoming more and more 

dependent upon Ouachita River water for irrigation. Irrigation greatly increases the value of the agricultural 

commodity product at harvest, as well as creating jobs and producing economic growth in the region. Our 

partners requested the commission’s continued support for adding groundwater as a mission for this project as 

well as for making water supply a mission for the Corps of Engineers.

5
Mississippi River Commission

Agricultural Impacts of Flooding: Summary of Testimony

Recent flooding has had devasting impacts on agriculture throughout the valley, with damages 

from the 2019 Flood causing an estimated $20 billion in damages throughout the Mississippi 

River watershed and billions more in damages from the 2020 Flood. Flooding has become so 

commonplace for our partners that flooding now dictates their planting decision and some years it 

even hinders the ability to plant at all, significantly impacting the livelihood of farmers 

throughout the valley. As flooding continues to increase in both frequency and duration, many 

farmers are so burdened that they are on the verge of going out of business. 

The frequency of flooding has also caused federal crop insurance rates to skyrocket for farmers, 

placing further economic burdens on them. Premium rates are now so high in many areas, that 

they are cost prohibitive, forcing many farmers to go without crop insurance. Back-to-back 

flooding in 2019 and 2020 has also damaged the farmer's yield history, preventing federal crop 

insurance from working to mitigate the risk from river flooding. The Mississippi Farm Bureau has 

been working with their congressional delegations and the USDA-Risk Management Agency on a 

study to find short-term relief until a longer-term strategy can be developed. Our partners request 

the commission’s support for this study.

As many of our partners have pointed out, these floods were not inevitable natural disasters but 

were rather preventable. If the Yazoo Backwater Pumps were in place, hundreds of thousands of 

acres of farmland would not have been flooded and farmers would not have been prevented from 

planting hundreds of thousands of acres. In other areas, if interior drainage improvements had 

been funded and completed, hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland would not have been 

flooded. 

For most of these farmers, their economic survival depends on being able to plant on time and 

harvest crops every year. But the impacts go far beyond this, as the agriculture produced in the 

Mississippi valley adds up to trillions of calories worth of crops that feed hundreds of millions of 

people throughout the world. Without flood protection, none of this is possible, the food necessary 

to feed hundreds of millions of people would be lost. Our partners requested that the commission 

continue to support reducing the devastating impacts of flooding through investment in the 

MR&T system and flood control projects throughout the valley. 

Top Regional Issues

403rd Session 

August 24 – August 26, 2020

6
Mississippi River Commission

Commission Members

403rd Session August 24 – August 26, 2020

Mississippi River Commission Members as of August 24, 2020

Maj. Gen. Diana Holland

President

Appointed June 30, 2020

Hon. Dr. Norma Jean Mattei, 

PhD, Civil Engineer

Appointed Dec. 3, 2012

Rear Adm. Shepard Smith

NOAA

Appointed Jan. 3, 2017

Hon. James Reeder

Civil Engineer

Appointed May 17, 2018

Maj. Gen. Robert Whittle 

Military Member

Appointed July 12, 2019

Brig. Gen. Peter Helmlinger

Military Member

Appointed July 23, 2019

Hon. Riley James

Civilian Member

Appointed March 24, 2020

7
Top LeŌ and Right: MRC visits LiƩle River and receives briefings on the

role of drainage ditches in reducing flood risk in the area.

LeŌ: MRC and local partners from St. Francis Basin levee districts in Missouri pose for photo to celebrate groundbreaking on three criƟcal flood control projects.  

Right: MRC joins local partners for ceremony in KenneƩ, Missouri, to celebrate groundbreaking on criƟcal flood control  projects in the St. Francis Basin of Missouri.

SITE VISITS 

& 

INSPECTIONS 

8
MRC visits Ensley Engineer Yard for inspecƟon of Mixed Pumping Unit

and demonstraƟon of the access wells used to acƟvate Birds Point-New

Commissioners  join Memphis District Commander Col. Zach

Miller and district senior leaders to celebrate

groundbreaking on criƟcal mainline Mississippi River levee

projects in the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta Levee District.

MRC President Maj. Gen. Holland discusses criƟcal YazooMississippi Delta mainline levee projects with local partners

during groundbreaking ceremony.

9
Mississippi River Commission

Site Visit to Little River Drainage Ditches

On August 24, the commission visited three Little River Drainage Ditch Projects: Lower 

Ditch 251, Upper 251, and Upper Ditch 1. The projects involve cleaning out the drainage 

channels to remove blockages and improve the conveyance efficiency of the channels so that 

they can provide the authorized level of flood protection.

St. Francis Basin Construction Groundbreaking

On August 24, the commission along with 40 partners gathered near Kennett, Missouri, to 

celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for three critical flood risk reduction projects in the 

St. Francis Basin. 

1) The Below Senath Seepage Remediation Project, in Dunklin County, Missouri, will

reduce the risk to the levee due to under-seepage and is scheduled for completion in

October 2020.

2) The Big Island Seepage Remediation Project in Greene County, Arkansas, will reduce the

risk of under-seepage through the construction of two seepage berms as well as ditch

cleanout. Work is scheduled for completion in May 2022.

3) The combined Below Piggott Seepage Remediation /Below Hwy 90 Channel Cleanout

Project in Clay and Greene counties, Arkansas, will provide levee protection and improve

flows in the St. Francis River through the construction of seepage berms and the removal

of sediment blocking a five-and-a-half mile stretch of river. The project is scheduled for

completion July 2023. Together, these three critical projects will reduce flood risk for

those who live and work in a major tributary basin within the MR&T Project.

Mixed Pumping Unit and Access Wells Demonstration

On August 25, the commission visited Ensley Engineer Yard where the Memphis District

provided a demonstration of the Mixed Pumping Unit and access wells used to activate the 

Birds Point New Madrid Floodway. The floodway is a critical component of the MR&T 

Project and is activated to lower stages in the Mississippi-Ohio River confluence area near 

Cairo, Illinois, and upstream of this area.

Yazoo Mississippi Delta Groundbreaking

The commission traveled to Tunica, Mississippi, to join partners from the Yazoo-Mississippi 

Delta Levee District for the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of two critical 

mainline Mississippi River Levee flood risk reduction projects. The Commerce, Mississippi, 

Seepage Remediation Project consists of a 2,700-foot-long seepage berm and 29 new relief 

wells. Together, these improvements will reduce seepage and prevent sand boils which could 

threaten the integrity of the levees. The Clack/Norfolk, Mississippi, Seepage Remediation 

Project involves the construction of a 2,000- foot-long seepage berm and 31 new relief wells. 

Both projects are scheduled for completion in January 2022. Once completed, they will 

reduce flood risk, flood damages, and flood protection costs associated with flooding and 

high-water events.

Site Visits & Inspections

403rd Session 

August 24 – August 26, 2020

10
Proceedings

Mississippi River 

Commission
 Mississippi River Commission

 Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

12

Summary of Testimony

Caruthersville, Missouri, Public Hearing on August 24, 2020

12 members of the public present, all of whom provided testimony. MRC members present: MRC

President, Maj. Gen. Diana Holland; Hon. Dr. Norma Jean Mattei; Hon. James Reeder; Brig. Gen. Peter 

Helmlinger; and Hon. Riley James. Not present: Maj. Gen. Robert Whittle and Rear. Adm. Shepard 

Smith. 

9:02 Maj. Gen. Holland called meeting to order. Col. Chapman welcomed guests, explained COVID 

measures; MRC hearing authorities.

9:06 Maj. Gen. Holland provided opening remarks: value of partnerships; value of the MR&T.

9:12 Col. Zach Miller (Memphis District Commander) gave brief summarizing work done in district. 

9:21 Col. Chapman read MRC meeting procedures.

9:23 Hon. Johnny Rye (Arkansas House of Representatives) on behalf of Barbara Lewallen (Mayor 

of the City of Trumann): Mr. Rye requested federal assistance for a floodplain study to address drainage 

issues in Ditches 9, 10 and 12 that are causing flooding on the west side of the City of Trumann, Ark. 

Drainage ditches to the north have been enlarged in response to the growth of Jonesboro, Ark., causing 

drainage back-ups when the water reaches Ditches 9, 10 and 12. 

Formal Written Testimony

9:30 Hon. Greg Terry (Carlisle, Ky., County Judge/Mayor) & Hon. Kenny Wilson (Hickman, Ky., 

County Judge/Mayor): Mr. Terry and Mr. Wilson requested assistance to halt the continued erosion that 

threatens historic Columbus-Belmont State Park in Hickman County, Kentucky. The park is located along 

the bank of the Mississippi River and rapid erosion has occurred due to recent severe flooding. 

Formal Written Testimony

9:40 Harry Stephens (Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association): Mr. Stephens requested

that the commission support an annual MR&T appropriation of $500 million and the completion of the 

MR&T. He also criticized the National Levee Safety Program and requested that ASA(CW) R.D. James 

and the Corps of Engineers not support the publication of the levee safety review document. Mr. Stephens 

was also critical of the Federal Flood Insurance Program and the unrealistic standards required by the 

National Levee Safety Committee. Lastly, he was critical of the WOTUS rule but expressed optimism

that the current administration is moving in the right direction on the issue.

Formal Written Testimony

9:50 Wayne Gairhan (Landowner): Mr. Gairhan discussed drainage issues with Ditches 9 in Craighead

County, Arkansas, and 10 (Big Bay Ditch) in Poinsett County, Arkansas. There are blockages in these 

ditches and their capacities are not sufficient to pass the water flowing southward from the Jonesboro 

area. The blockages are causing flooding in the City of Truman as well as along Hwy 69. A contractor, 

under contract with the Memphis District, cleaned out a portion of the ditch but Mr. Gairhan stated that

the contractor did not complete the work. He requested that the Corps of Engineers cleanout and maintain

the ditches.

No Formal Written Testimony Provided 
 Mississippi River Commission

 Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

13

Summary of Testimony

10:00 Edward Swaim (Bayou Meto Water Management District): Mr. Swaim discussed groundwater 

depletion in the Sparta and Alluvial aquifers and provided an update on the Bayou Meto Project, which is 

designed to address this issue. The project cannot be operated until the main canal is finished, many miles 

of bayous and ditches cleaned out, and the distribution pipelines are built. Memphis District is seeking 

$71 million to complete Phase I of the project so that it can deliver water. He asked for continued support 

of the project and invited the MRC to come for a tour of the area. 

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

10:15 Rob Rash (St. Francis Levee of Arkansas): In Mr. Rash’s spoken testimony, he discussed the 

value of the MR&T system and its levees. He believes that the Levee Safety Action Classification 

(LSAC) Rating misrepresents the level of protection provided by the MR&T levees. LSAC Ratings can 

impact economic development and flood insurance rates. Since a levee’s risk increases relative to the 

economic development behind the levee, LSAC scores go down even though the protection provided by 

the levee remains the same. Mr. Rash stated that this deters investment and drives up flood insurance 

rates. He asks the Corps of Engineers to stay out of the flood insurance business. In his written testimony, 

he also discussed the importance of funding the MR&T Project and requested an annual appropriation of 

$500 million so that the authorized project can be completed. He also criticized the National Levee Safety 

Program and the policies contained in the Engineering Circular 1165-2-218 Draft, which he said would 

impose risk mitigation duties onto local sponsors; the WOTUS rule, which broadly expanded the 

definition of a wetland/federal waterway and an expansion of 408 permitting; FEMA’s mandatory flood 

insurance; Federal Flood Risk Management Standards, which broadly expand the definition of floodplain 

and make it virtually impossible to inhabit areas protected by levees.

Formal Written Testimony

10:30 Break

10:45 Dustin Boatwright (Little River Drainage District, Chief Engineer and Ex. Vice Pres.): In his 

spoken testimony, Mr. Boatwright discussed the history of Little River Drainage District. In his written 

testimony, he discussed several maintenance issues in the drainage district: Large levee slide/slope 

stability issue on two sections of the Headwater Diversion Channel Levee; issues with a roadway that 

provides access to relief wells; riprap amor needed at the junction of Sal's Creek Spur Levee and 

Ramsey Creek Levee along with the reestablishment of the MR&T level of levee protection; erosion 

along Ditch Nos. 1 and 290 requires riprap armor; Ditches Nos. 66 and 39 require channel excavation; 

and bank failure in Ditch No. 66 requires armoring. 

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

10:58 Jimmy Moody (Dyer County Levee and Drainage District No. 1): Mr. Moody discussed the 

status of the Miston Berm project and the Island 18 rock work; the completion of the MR&T Project; and 

was critical of the Levee Safety Program.

Formal Written Testimony
 Mississippi River Commission

 Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

14

Summary of Testimony

11:05 Jennifer Sheehan (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission): Mrs. Sheehan discussed recent 

meetings with the Memphis District and stakeholders in the St. Francis River basin, at which they 

discussed the development of a more holistic water and habitat management plan for the St. Francis Basin

that would allow for more consistent ecosystem management. 

Formal Written Testimony

11:09 Jody Simmons (Chairman, St. Francis Drainage District of Clay and Greene Counties, Ark.): 

Mr. Simmons discussed the channel blockage below the AR Hwy. 90 Bridge, which threatens the 

integrity of the adjacent and upstream levees. A contract has been awarded to reopen over five miles of 

channel and to build approximately 10 miles of seepage berm along the mainline levee system. His main 

concern is that the channel has been cleaned in this same area out twice before over the last 30 years and 

the blockage keeps recurring. He recommends that the Memphis District develop a long-term plan to 

address the issue. He also discussed the need for a long-term, system-wide approach to improving the 

functioning of the entire St. Francis River system as well as the sedimentation issues that cause blockages 

throughout the system.

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

11:30 John Stuckey (Drainage District No. 7): Mr. Stuckey discussed the blockages and need for 

channel enlargement for Ditches Nos. 9 and 10 near Trumann, Ark. Because of the urban growth of 

Jonesboro, Ark., to the north, the amount of water flowing southward has increased, causing backups in 

Ditches Nos. 9 and 10. He requested that the Memphis District conduct a study on bringing Ditch 12 

straight to Ditch 10 West of Trumann. He also requested that the Memphis District finish the channel 

cleanout of Ditch 10 for the portion of the ditch below Hwy 214.

Formal Written Testimony

Photo Map of Drainage District

11:32 MRC members closing comments

11:41 Meeting adjourned 

Filed for the Record

Mayor Bobby Hardrick (Madison, Arkansas): Mr. Hardrick discussed the East Arkansas Enterprise 

Community. WRDA 2007 authorized $20 million for the project but no funds have been appropriated as 

it would require a new start decision. He then discussed $6 million in work completed using match funds, 

including work on the Madison Oxidation Ponds to prevent them from contaminating the St. Francis 

River.

Formal Written Testimony

Mayor Allen Latimer (Horn Lake, Mississippi): Mr. Latimer discussed flooding issues around Horn 

Lake and in DeSoto County caused by Horn Lake Creek. Horn Lake is at the bottom of the area drained 

by the creek. He requests the Corps of Engineers and commission’s continued support for the feasibility 

study and a project to address this issue.

Formal Written Testimony
 Mississippi River Commission

 Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

15

Summary of Testimony

Rep. Jason Smith (MO-8): Rep. Smith discussed the flood protection in southeast Missouri and the need 

to invest in the MR&T project, specifically the Commerce to Birds Point Levee, which is aging and 

requires maintenance. He requested that the commission support placing revetment along the Mississippi 

River above Cairo, Illinois, and around the Thompson Bend area. He requested that the Corps of 

Engineers consider allowing the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway levee to naturally overtop to reduce 

the possibility of operation. Next, he discussed supplemental funds used to repair seepage along the St. 

Francis River in Missouri. He also discussed work on the Caruthersville Floodwall, West Basin Levee 

Scour repairs and the Elk Chute Levee Setback. Next, he discussed the aging pumping stations in Bois 

Brule and Levee District No. 3 and the need to address these issues in the upcoming WRDA. Lastly, he 

discussed the Belle Fountain ditch system, which has become clogged with silt and debris as a result of 

lack of Federal maintenance and asked the Corps of Engineers to evaluate the system. 

Formal Written Testimony

David Wade (St. John’s Bayou Basin): Mr. Wade discussed the St. John’s Bayou Basin New Madrid 

Floodway Project and the need to install drainage pumps in the basin to remove floodwaters. He 

discussed the draft Environmental Impact Statement for this project and the Bayou Basin Board’s 

comments. He asked the commission to support for the installation of the authorized pumps. 

Formal Written Testimony

Mayor Richard Bodi (New Madrid, Missouri): On behalf of the City of New Madrid Mayor Bodi 

requested assistance to help repair portions of the city’s shoreline and city boat ramp that have 

deteriorated over the years and during the flood of 2019. 

Formal Written Testimony

Michael Bernard (St. Francis Levee District No. 3): Mr. Bernard discussed work on the Belle Fountain 

Ditch and the Caruthersville Floodwall. He discussed the blockages in Belle Fountain Ditch and Ditch 

No. 3 Main 3 and the need to evaluate the ditch and approve a project to address the issue. 

Formal Written Testimony

Doyle Hicks (Drainage District No. 28): Mr. Doyle requested that the Corps of Engineers clean out four 

miles of Ditch No. 9 in New Madrid County. 

Formal Written Testimony

Greenville, Mississippi, Public Hearing on August 26, 2020

12 members of the public present, all of whom provided testimony. MRC members present: Dr. Norma 

Jean Mattei (served as acting president); Hon. James Reeder; Brig. Gen. Peter Helmlinger; and Hon. 

Riley James. Not present: MRC President, Maj. Gen. Diana Holland (departed for Louisiana in response 

to Hurricane Laura); Maj. Gen. Robert Whittle; and Rear. Adm. Shepard Smith. 

9:01 Dr. Mattei (Acting MRC President) called meeting to order as Maj. Gen. Holland had to depart for 

Louisiana in response to Hurricane Laura. Col. Chapman welcomed guests, explained COVID measures; 

MRC hearing authorities.
 Mississippi River Commission

 Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

16

Summary of Testimony

9:05 Dr. Mattei welcomed meeting attendees and provided opening remarks.

9:17 Col. Robert Hilliard (Vicksburg Commander) gave brief summarizing work done in district. 

Presentation

9:35 Col. Chapman read MRC meeting procedures

9:37 Paul Hollis (Delta Council): Mr. Hollis requested that the commission support the completion of 

the Yazoo Headwater Project and the Upper Yazoo Projects (UYP), which would alleviate some of the 

recent flooding the Delta has experienced. He also requested that the Vicksburg District evaluate and 

move forward with several proposed structures that are part of the UYP ahead of the channel enlargement 

features of the projects. Next, he encouraged the Corps to carefully evaluate the current status of the 

federally-authorized Tributaries projects in the Yazoo Basin, as they require maintenance or have not 

been completed. He also requested funding for maintenance of the Delta Headwaters Project as well as 

for the Greenwood District Office and Yazoo River Levee, which is in poor condition. He discussed the 

need for maintenance funding for the Sunflower River, which has not been funded in 30 years. Lastly, he 

discussed the recent flooding in the Yazoo Backwater and the need to build the Yazoo Backwater Pump.

Formal Written Testimony

9:51 Ed Landgraf (Coastal and Marine Operators): He discussed marine safety related to dredging 

and navigation in south Louisiana and along the coast. He discussed a recent incident of a dredge pipeline 

fire near Corpus Christi that killed four people; there are several other incidents he also discussed. He 

does not believe there is enough awareness or focus on safety related to marine work near these pipelines. 

Because of the hazards presented by these pipelines, he recommends the creation of a navigation pipeline 

database as well as training for members of the dredging and navigation industry to reduce the risk of 

these accidents. CAMO offers free safety materials and info for industry. He asked the commission to 

provide advice on how safety can be improved. 

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

10:13 Paige Adcock (Farmer in Holly Bluff, Miss.): She and her family own land in the Yazoo 

Backwater area. She discussed the impacts of the flooding on her family’s land and on the region. She 

asked the commission and the Corps of Engineers to complete the Yazoo Backwater Pump.

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

10:19 Cassandra Caldwell (Arkansas Waterways Commission): She discussed funding for navigation 

improvements for the Arkansas River; progress on the Three River Project; the White River navigation 

study; the development of Helena Harbor; the Red River navigation feasibility study; and the need for 

dredging on the Ouachita River.

Formal Written Testimony

10: 30 Break 
 Mississippi River Commission Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

17

Summary of Testimony

10:40 Carol Coletta (Memphis River Park Partnership): Mrs. Coletta discussed the Memphis 

Riverfront Concept recreational development area and its centerpiece, Tom Lee Park, which is located on 

a Corps of Engineers project. She requested $10 million in MR&T funds for O&M of the area, which the 

Memphis River Parks Partnership, who is the local sponsor, would match. She also said that her 

organization will be seeking $10 million under Corps recreation authority and a Section 1135 Ecosystem 

Restoration project for the park. 

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

10:55 Ann Dahl (Eagle Lake, Miss., Resident): Mrs. Dahl lives in the Eagle Lake area and discussed 

recent flooding in the Yazoo Backwater Area. She discussed how the Muddy Bayou Structure is 

connected to water levels in the Yazoo Backwater and how the Muddy Bayou structure cannot be opened 

when the Yazoo Backwater levels are higher than the water levels in Eagle Lake. This leads Eagle Lake 

to fill up and causes flooding. She supports finishing the Yazoo pump project.

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

11:04 Victoria Darden (Farmer from Onward, Miss.): Mrs. Darden and her family live in the Yazoo 

Backwater Area. She discussed the recent flooding and tells stories of the real-life impacts it had on her 

family and their land. She supports the completion of Yazoo pump project. 

Formal Written Testimony

11:12 Mike McCormick (Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation): Mr. McCormick discussed the 

flooding in the Yazoo Backwater over the last decade and its impact on local farmers. He expressed 

support for the SEIS for the Yazoo pump and supported building the pump. He also discussed flooding of 

the batture land on the unprotected side of the levee and requested a plan to reduce flooding on the 

Mississippi River batture land.

Formal Written Testimony

11:19 Peter Nimrod (Chief Engineer, Board of Mississippi Levee Commissioners): Mr. Nimrod 

discussed the need to complete the MR&T Project. Next, he discussed progress on the Mississippi River 

Mainline Levee enlargement projects. He stated that the Board requests a Corps of Engineers Hired Labor 

Crew be sent in to properly repair the 22 levee slides in the Mississippi Levee District. Next, he voiced 

the board’s support for the Big Sunflower River Sedimentation Reduction Project, which will reduce 

flooding and sedimentation and improve water quality. He also discussed the impacts of the 2020 Flood 

and the impacts of flooding over the last five years, which include sand boils and water standing on top of 

the Ben Lomond Relief Wells. The board requested that Vicksburg District install more relief wells and

dig a ditch to remove water from the existing relief wells. Next, he discussed the 2020 Flood’s impacts on 

the Yazoo Backwater Area and voiced the board’s support for the Yazoo Pump Project. Finally, he 

expressed the board’s concerns with the Levee Safety Engineering Circular 1165-2-218, which they 

believe will force levee boards to take on a flood risk management mission, greatly increasing the liability 

of the boards.

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation
 Mississippi River Commission Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

18

Summary of Testimony

11:31 Angeline Rodgers (Fish and Wildlife Conservation): Mrs. Rodgers discussed the Lower 

Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) and its partnership with the Corps of Engineers to 

complete 29 environmental improvement projects. Next, she discussed the Lower Mississippi River 

Resource Assessment (LMRRA) feasibility study on eight conservation reaches identified by the 

LMRRA. Lastly, she discussed the LMRCC’s work with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns 

Initiative to develop and updated economic profile of the river. 

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

11:41 Jennifer Sheehan (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission): She discussed the Arkansas Game 

and Fish Commission’s concerns with the Beryl Anthony Wildlife Management Area (or WMA) along 

the Ouachita River. Because of recent flooding, trees become waterlogged and are dying and falling down 

because they are waterlogged. She requested Corps of Engineers’ assistance with the 7,000-acre forest. 

She said that they are currently working with the Vicksburg District on a watershed study to understand 

the changes in the Ouachita River Basin following the construction of locks and dams on the river.

Formal Written Testimony

11:50 David Weeks (Ex. Dir., Ouachita River Valley Association): Mr. Weeks discussed the OuachitaBlack Rivers Navigation Project and requested $10.7 million a year for O&M. He discussed operation of 

Felsenthal and Thatcher Locks and dams being reduced from 24/7 operations to 10 hours per day/5 days 

per week. He requested that the locks and dams be returned to full service. Next, he expressed the 

association’s support for water supply projects to recover the Sparta and Alluvial aquifers and to support 

drinking water and agricultural irrigation. Lastly, he requested that the East Bank Ouachita River levee be 

added to the MR&T project.

Formal Written Testimony

11:59 MRC members closing comments

12:03 Meeting Adjourned

Filed for the Record

Reynold Minsky (President, Fifth Louisiana Levee Board): Mr. Minsky discussed the 20 projects 

underway in the Fifth Louisiana Levee District to repair levee slides that resulted from the recent highwater events. Next, he discussed maintenance issues in the Tensas Basin Levee District. His levee district 

attempted to do minor maintenance in 1995 but was forced to stop by the Vicksburg District and now the 

levee district believes this is a major maintenance issue that should fall under the Corps of Engineer’s 

responsibility. Lastly, he discussed the levee district’s concerns with the 408 process and their opposition 

to the Levee Safety Program’s Draft Engineer Circular. 

Formal Written Testimony

Milton Chambliss (Claiborne County Port Commission): Mr. Chambliss requested continued dredging 

funding for the port for FY21 and 22; and support for the port’s Section 107 Feasibility Study request 

under the Continuing Authorities Program.

Formal Written Testimony
 Mississippi River Commission Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

19

Summary of Testimony

T. Benton Smith (Felton and Smith Law Firm): Mr. Smith is an attorney representing Ashbrook Island 

Land Company in Washington County, Mississippi. He stated that the Corps of Engineers has identified 

the need to construct substantial repairs to dikes and revetment near Ashbrook Island. He requested the 

commission’s support for completing these repairs this year because of the constant loss of land on the 

property. He said that his client has requested these repairs for several years now, but the location is not 

selected as a priority for funding.

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

Joe Spraggins (Mississippi Department of Marine Resources): BG(R) Spraggins discussed the 

impacts of Bonnet Carré operation on the Mississippi Sound and State of Mississippi and possible 

alternatives to the current operation of the spillway. He also requested an EIS each time the Bonnet Carré 

Spillway is opened and an extension of the boundaries of the study to include all Mississippi 

jurisdictional waters. 

Formal Written Testimony

Sherrell Johnson (Union County Water Conservation Board): Mrs. Johnson discussed rising 

groundwater levels in the Sparta Aquifer as a result of their water supply project reducing withdrawals by 

providing an alternative source of water. She also discussed adding water supply as a project purpose to 

the Ouachita-Black Navigation Project in WRDA 2020. 

Formal Written Testimony

Jesse Medlin (Desoto County Board of Supervisors): Mr. Medlin discussed the Memphis Metro Area 

flooding and bank erosion due to stormwater runoff. This has led to an increase in flood insurance and is 

impacting the local economy. A feasibility study is underway that focuses primarily on flood risks but the 

Board of Supervisors requested that additional analysis be included to address environmental concerns, 

bank stabilization and clearing of streams and creeks to improve the conveyance of water. 

Formal Written Testimony

Morgan City, Louisiana, Public Hearing Scheduled for August 28 (Canceled 

due to Hurricane Laura)

The commission had scheduled a public hearing in Morgan City, Louisiana, on August 28, but the hearing 

was canceled due to Hurricane Laura, which made landfall in south Louisiana on August 26. In lieu of a 

public hearing, the commission accepted formal written testimony for the record from 12 partners. The 

commission reviewed each testimony and provided formal written responses. The testimony and 

responses are held on file at the Mississippi River Commission Headquarters in Vicksburg, Mississippi 

and are available upon request. 

Doug Daigle (Lower Mississippi River Sub-Basin Committee): Mr. Daigle discussed issues related to 

Gulf hypoxia; legislative and restoration efforts promoting natural flood infrastructure; and congressional 

efforts to authorize a comprehensive study for the lower Mississippi system below Old River.

Formal Written Testimony
 Mississippi River Commission Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

20

Summary of Testimony

Gordon Dove (Terrebonne Parish President): Mr. Dove discussed the importance of the Morganza to 

the Gulf Hurricane Protection System and asked for the levees to be raised to their authorized height and 

for the two floodgates in the GIWW to be built. Next, he requested that the Corps of Engineer properly 

maintain Houma Navigation Channel (HNC) to its authorized depth and quickly move forward with the 

deepening of the HNC after Congress approves the Deepening Study. Lastly, he requested help 

completing the Bayou Chene project to protect against backwater flooding due to the MR&T.

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

Tim Matte (St. Mary Levee District): Mr. Matte discussed flood protection for the Atchafalaya Basin, 

including backwater flooding due to the inadequacy of the Avoca Island Levee. Congress authorized an 

extension of the Avoca Island Levee as part of the MR&T but it was withdrawn from the MR&T. The St. 

Mary Levee District believes that a permanent Bayou Chene Closure System will address the issue and 

that it should be part of the MR&T. Next, he discussed deficiencies in the MR&T levees in St. Mary 

Parish based on the project flood flow line. He then discussed seepage under the Tiger Island Flood Wall 

in Morgan City. He also requested that New Orleans District include agricultural operations benefits in its 

South Central Louisiana Study on levees in the area. Lastly, he discussed sedimentation in the

Atchafalaya navigation channel below the Port of Morgan City, which negatively impacts navigation and 

worsens flooding.

Formal Written Testimony

Mac Wade (Port of Morgan City): Mr. Wade discussed the importance of the Port of Morgan City and 

the Atchafalaya River to the region. He then discussed the retrofitted offshore supply vessel that has been 

turned into the dredge Arulaq and is being operated to dredge the Bar Channel. Next, he discussed the 

need to consistently dredge the authorized 20x400 foot channel for the Atchafalaya. Sedimentation has 

become a major issue and is increasing the risk of backwater flooding. Sediment is also blocking the 

harbor and negatively impacting navigation. Berwick Bay Harbor sedimentation due to recent floods has 

obstructed access to docks and dredging is badly needed. He expressed concern about changing the 

operation of the Morganza Floodway and Old River Control to put more water down and sediment down 

the Atchafalaya. Next, he discussed the damages from recent floods and Hurricane Laura. Lastly, he 

requested additional funding for dredging through a supplemental or FY21 Work Plan. 

Formal Written Testimony

Presentation

Dean Wilson and Monica Fisher (Atchafalaya Basinkeeper): Mr. Wilson discussed the negative 

impacts of “water quality projects” (diversions) on fishermen and on flood storage capacity in the basin. 

He said that the diversions cause the basin to fill up with sediment, reducing its flood storage capacity and 

destroying wetlands. He was also critical of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline permitting process, which he said 

disregarded permit conditions and the environment. Lastly, he discussed permits for the basin in general 

and the need to abide by laws when enforcing permit conditions.

Formal Written Testimony
 Mississippi River Commission Executive Summary of Proceedings

 403rd Session, August 24 – August 26, 2020

21

Summary of Testimony

Karen Gautreaux (The Nature Conservancy Louisiana): Mrs. Gautreaux discussed the environmental 

restoration of the Atchafalaya Basin, including the 5400-acre preserve near Bayou Sorrell which 

converted the area to wetlands.

Formal Written Testimony

King Milling (Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration): Mr. Milling discussed the Louisiana 

Coastal Area and Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority partnership with the Corps of Engineers 

and Mississippi River Commission. He also discussed the management of the Atchafalaya Basin for flood 

control, with a focus on the deteriorating condition of levees in the basin and the accumulation of 

sediment in the lower reaches of the basin. He requests additional dredging to remove the natural levees 

that have been built by accumulated sediment as well as additional dredging in the two outlets to more 

efficiently transport water and sediment to the Gulf. 

Formal Written Testimony

William Ostheimer (Houma, LA): Mr. Ostheimer lives along the east bank of the GIWW and says that 

waterways users are damaging property belonging to private landowners by operating the GIWW in 

excess of its design standards. He requests regulatory authority be used to limit the operation of the 

GIWW to remain within its design standards. Next he requested that all diversions from the Atchafalaya 

into Terrebonne Parish via the GIWW be stopped until the Bayou Chene floodgate, Bayou Black Pump, 

and other features inside the Morganza to the Gulf levees are completed. Lastly, he requested that the 

Corps of Engineers release a status report on plans to divert Mississippi water into the Atchafalaya Basin.

Formal Written Testimony

Brian Moore, Natalie Snider, David Muth, Kim Reyher and John Lopez (Restore the Mississippi 

River Delta): They discussed the performance of the MR&T system during recent floods and the need to 

reevaluate the system in light of the increasing frequency and intensity of floods. They recommend a 

more holistic approach to flood control that restores the natural floodplain, utilizes outlets for ecosystem 

restoration, and improved mitigation, specifically the prioritization of the Maurepas Swamp Project to 

mitigate the impacts of the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Levee. 

Formal Written Testimony

Craig Romero (Port of Iberia, LA): Mr. Romero discussed the development of the Port of Iberia and its 

benefits for the regional economy. He also discussed the authorized AGMAC and associated plans for 

deepening the AGMAC channel. The Port of Iberia requested that the Corps of Engineers include

the completion of Segment 3, the Freshwater Bayou portion of the AGMAC Project, in its planning.

Formal Written Testimony

Windell Curole (South Lafourche Levee District): Mr. Curole submitted a statement from a former 

Corps of Engineers employee who is now in the private sector. The former employee criticized the 

current standards for hurricane protection levee construction, which he says are too costly and are 

designed to protect against river flooding, not hurricanes. Mr. Curole also discussed pre-Katrina versus 

Post-Katrina policies and stated that Post-Katrina policies have not always been beneficiary.

Formal Written Testimony