FEW COUNTY ROADS, BRIDGES ARE DAMAGED

JACKSON - Prolonged flooding has not had much of an impact on the 600 miles of roads and bridges maintained by Cape Girardeau County, Associate Commissioner Larry Bock said Thursday.

He pointed out that less than 15 miles of county roads are under water and does not believe there will be serious damage to any bridges along those roads.

"It's too early to tell what the extent will be, but we do not anticipate a lot of damage," Bock said.

The flooding conditions have delayed three bridge projects that were to be constructed by the county highway department this summer. One bridge, on County Road 233 near Allenville, already was under construction and work had to be stopped.

Two other bridge projects - one near Neelys Landing on County Road 535 and one in South Cape County on County Road 274 - have not yet started due to high water backing out of the river.

"I don't know when we'll get these done now; the summer is slipping away on us," said Bock.

Right now, all sand being hauled to areas in the county are being done with county highway department trucks. Bock said the focus of the department has been on the flooded areas, but noted that some graders still are working county roads and that some overlay work is being done.

Bock said he has received many calls about rumors on the Diversion Channel levee's condition. But he stressed the levee appears to be sound and that there is no need for concern.

Said Bock: "We've got our confidence in the Corps of Engineers and what they say on the Diversion Channel levee. They inspect it 24 hours a day and feel it is safe, and we're taking the Corps' word on it."

Bock said a sandbagging operation set up this week at the intersection of Highway 25 and 61 in Jackson appears to be going well. Sandbags are being filled not only for Dutchtown, but for all areas of Cape County.

The primary focus of the operation initially was to get sandbags to stabilize a levee at Dutchtown, but sandbags also are being provided for use in the city of Cape and wherever there is a need, Bock said.

He said the levee project at Dutchtown should be finished by Saturday.

"There have been a lot of people showing up in Jackson at the intersection to work," said Bock. "People have just been wonderful. Having the operation in Jackson has kept people away from the danger and heavy equipment being used at Dutchtown.

"It is just amazing at the turnout. We just can't believe what people will do in a situation like this."

Bock also praised the cooperation between the various agencies and volunteers working in the county. In particular, Bock said, the Corps and National Guard have been very supportive of flood fighting efforts.

Besides Dutchtown, Bock said other flood-prone areas in the out-county area are at Allenville, which is accessible only by boat; at Neelys Landing and near Procter and Gamble; and near Egypt Mills.

Gov. Mel Carnahan has called a meeting in Jefferson City Saturday to discuss the flood problems and to explain assistance programs that are available in the state. All local government officials in flood-prone areas of the state have been invited to attend.

County Auditor H. Weldon Macke and 2nd District Associate Commissioner E.C. Younghouse will represent Cape County at the meeting.