Mississippi River Commission

2017 Low-Water Inspection Trip 398th Session Proceedings Mississippi River Commission Proceedings of the 398th Session August 7-18, 2017

The Mississippi River Commission conducted its 398th Session from August 7-18, 2017 aboard the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI and held formal public hearings at Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Houma, Louisiana. The hearings were held in accordance with Section 8 of the 1928 Flood Control Act: “Sec.8.…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 hearings, engagements and dialogue help maintain a consistent connection —an exchange of viewpoints and ideas among the public, partners, stakeholders, elected officials, the Mississippi River Commission, the 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 in shaping federal management and policy on the river. Approximately 275 members of the public attended the public meetings and listened to the testimony presented by 60 individual speakers. What follows are the proceedings of the 398th Session with summaries of each testimony and hyperlinks to all transcripts, audio, presentations, photographs, and formal written testimonies, all of which are held at the office of the President of the Mississippi River Commission.

______Charles A. Camillo Colonel Richard Pannell Executive Director Secretary Mississippi River Commission Mississippi River Commission

4 Mississippi River Commission Proceedings of the 398th Session

The members of the Mississippi River Commission present during the 398th session were:

• Maj. Gen. Michael Wehr, appointed as president on August 5, 2015. • Hon. Sam E. Angel, reappointed as member on December 30, 2010. • Hon. R. D. James, civil engineer, reappointed as member on April 6, 2003. • Hon. Norma Jean Mattei, PhD, civil engineer, appointed as member on December 3, 2012. • Rear Adm. Shepard Smith, appointed as member on January 3, 2017. • Col. Paul Ownen, Designated as a member on July 27, 2017. • Brig. Gen. Mark Toy, appointed as member on December 13, 2016. • Col. Richard Pannell served as secretary of the commission, a non- voting position.

5 Wa1th!Dgton, n., o. 1 No-vembel" J4, 1928 Dea1pilt.• d P.tm,ction1 and .lgene1e11 for the becution of the Mississippi Ri"nr·F.~ &m~ol P.roject Adopted tv' tM Ac't Approwd Jte.7 15, 192$. ---o-Oocie--

l. Se~ion. tt of the Flood Control Act approved ..,. 15, l.928; rea(\le aa f'ollow.as 11The pr.ojec1i he.rein. au:thor:ise.,:i shall be. prosecuted· by the ·Jitasirr aipp1 lH.""!'r · ~ssion under th-. . dbection of the· Secretar7 of W~ and ~rvision .0£. the Chief of Engin•ers m.id .,ub,je~ to the provisions ot :thilif act. It shall perform wch functions SJ,1.d through such qen cies as· tb.BY. .. shall designate atter consu1ta'.t1on 'and discusdon with the president. of ·the comirdsdon. For· all other purposes the ~xisting laws goverm.ng the constitution. and activities of the cemmisslon shall rema:hi unchanged., ·The commission shall-~ inspection trips o't ·such tr..~c7 and duratioi1 as will enabl.9 it to aeq'lli're first•hand infor .ation as_to conditions and probleins_germane to the matter of :f'l.Ood control wit~ the area of its j'lll."i'9ditiQn; and on such trips of in• spect-ion 8Dlple oppe>r.tun:tt7 for hearings. and sugpstions shall ·m, afforded persons affected by or interested in ~eh problems. The president e>f: the commisSion shall 'bEt ·the executive officer· thereof*** 2. After consu1tation and discussion with the, President of the Mi•sis- sippi River Commission; in accordance with the law set. forth above, the follolting tunctions and agencies of the Mississippi R1wr Commission, in eon nectiOn wJ.t-h the eDcution of flood control work in the Misdssij)pi Valle7, are hereby designated .by the ·Secretat7 of War and the Chief of Engiheerst

(a) ·)laking the inapection. t:rips and holding the public hearings .described under Section S of the Act approved May 15, 1928. (b) R•comm.en(lation of the polie1 for the dev.elo~ent of the details of the proj·ect adopted· by law.

(o) Re~ndation of the policy f9r carrying out ·the wol'.*k under th~. adop~ed project. · . (d) Consideration and recommendation of the genera1 cbaractexi &X!.d tJPee of work to be used in oonst:ruction under the adopted proje()t.

(e) :aecommendatli,>n annually of tJ:ie pt.'ogam of work to be under taken dur~ the. follQ'Wing fisQa1 year.

(f') Recommendations upon 8,Jl7 ma.tt~;r.'~ .authorizeq by la"1. (g) The executive officer of the Commission and the Etigineer Districts· ot the Mississippi Valley are. designated as the agencies fo~ ca~ out ·the ppoject. · (SGl>) Edgar Jadwin Maj.or General, Ohiet of Engineers (SGJ)) ' Dwight F. Dans Secretarzr of War Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Cape Girardeau, Mo. Monday, August 7, 2017, 9:00 a.m.

Approximately 80 members of the public attended the meeting.

Mississippi River Commission members present: MG Michael Wehr, BG Mark Toy, Col. Paul Owen, RADM Shepard Smith, R.D. James, Sam Angel, Dr. Norma Jean Mattei and Col. Richard Pannell (Secretary).

MG Richard Kaiser incoming commander of MVD present

Congressional and elected officials in attendance:

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (MO-8), Donna Hickman, Office of Jason Smith (MO-8), Darren Lingle Office of Senator Roy Blunt (MO), Christy Mercer, Office of Sen. McCaskill (MO), Nick Rafael and Carol Klaine, Office of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12), Harry Rediger, Mayor of Cape Girardeau, Denny Johnson, Mayor of Lake County, Tennessee.

9:04 MG Wehr called the meeting to order Introductions Audio Transcript

9:09 MG Wehr provided introductory comments and MRC’s strategic messages. Audio Transcript

9:22 Col. Mike Ellicott, Memphis District Commander, provided an overview of MR&T projects and Corps of Engineers activities within the district. Audio Transcript

9:33 Col. Bryan Sizemore, St. Louis District Commander, provided an overview of MR&T projects and Corps of Engineers activities within the district. Audio Transcript

9:42 Jason Smith U.S. Rep. (MO-8) – Discussed the Trump administration’s position infrastructure, especially investment in waterways; WOTUS definition; value of MR&T system; May flooding and all the areas protected by MR&T levees; St. John’s Bayou Project; Corps should consider overtopping of BPNM floodway instead of activation because of how long it takes to repair levees; O&M needs for St. Francis Project; need to repair Bois Brule levees. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

9:53 Darren Lingle Office of Senator Roy Blunt (MO) –Discussed the significance of the river and the need to invest in infrastructure; spring 2017 flood in Missouri; Ste. Genevieve levees are not federal levees but they should be a concern be a concern to the MRC because of the potential impact on navigation.

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Cape Girardeau, Mo. Monday, August 7, 2017, 9:00 a.m.

Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

9:58 Dustin Boatwright, Chief Engineer of Little River Drainage District – Discussed how the lands were converted from worthless swamp lands to valuable farm lands and challenged Corps and stakeholders to work together to solve problems facing the valley. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

10:04 Harry Stephens, Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association– Discussed the MVFCA going to Washington D.C. to request funding to complete MR&T and consistent funds for maintenance; criticized National Levee Safety Commission and FEMA for imposing unrealistic standards on levees and also criticized WOTUS definition and EPA overreach. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:13 Mike Reed, Superintendent of Sny Island Levee District– Discussed flood control on upper Mississippi and the need for a comprehensive master plan; discussed Sny Island levee heights and criticized the Rock Island District’s conclusion that the Sny is raising its levees and flooding others; asked that we use existing conditions and not the hypothetical conditions to determine flow profiles. He also criticized the 208-10 and 408 process. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:30 Charles Earnest, President of Elk Chute Drainage District – Discussed south levee rollback project and sloughing at the current levee and how MVM expects to fix this issue in 2018; sand bar issue at Belle Fountaine West Connector Ditch; the need for spoil removal at the north end of the levee district that causes a choke point. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:37 Jeff Denny, County Engineer for Alexander County – discussed damage at Len Small levee after 2016 flood; Corps doesn’t have authority to rebuild levee, but MVS is working to develop a solution to address the issue because it is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Cape Girardeau, Mo. Monday, August 7, 2017, 9:00 a.m. 10:48 Break

11:08 Lester Goodin, Vice President, Levee District No. 3, MO – Discussed BPNM Floodway activation in 2011 and the impacts of activation on the lands within the floodway, including explosive materials from the levee being scattered across the floodway; leadership in the post- operation of the floodway was inadequate and we need a more efficient post-operation plan to ensure the floodway is repaired and levees rebuilt post-operation. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:17 Cary Harbison, Regional Director SEMO Port – Discussed the need for dredging the harbor and thanks the St. Louis District and Lance Engle for dredging the port and he gave a pamphlet outlining improvements for the port. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:21 Mike Klingner, UMIMRA – Discussed the development the need for a comprehensive plan for flood control for the upper valley; disagrees with Rock Island District’s flood profiles and does not want the 1954 base condition used for levee designs because they are hypothetical conditions that never existed.

Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:41 Edward Lekosky, Windsor Harbor, MO – Discussed progress on the Windsor Harbor final design and construction and sand deposition following 2017 flood; requested that MVS and Col. Sizemore visit Windsor Harbor as soon as possible to discuss improvements at harbor. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:46 Ed Weilbacher, Kaskaskia Region Port District – Discussed tonnage on Kaskaskia and the need for repairs and upgrades at Jerry Costello Dam; headcutting on the Kaskaskia near Fayetteville has traveled upstream and has had numerous negative impacts increased dredging; headcutting is due to a design deficiency and causing sedimentation. A design deficiency report is needed to address this issue and he requested that MVS complete one. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:53 Steve Hawks, Hawks Logistics – Discussed the need for maintenance on locks and dams and how this maintenance is critical and additional funds are needed to maintain consistent

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Cape Girardeau, Mo. Monday, August 7, 2017, 9:00 a.m. navigation; stated that we should plan for all maintenance in advance to limit impacts; expand navigation; make the river reliable enough to take advantage of container on barge; and consider using more P3s. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

12:00 Greg Curlin, Hickman Fulton County Riverport –Provided an update on dredging at the port and discussed the need to continue to maintain harbors. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

12:03 Commission member closing remarks Audio Transcript

12:30 Meeting Adjourned

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Memphis, Tenn. Wednesday, August 9, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Approximately 80 members of the public attended the meeting. Mississippi River Commission members present: MG Michael Wehr, BG Mark Toy, Col. Paul Owen, RADM Shepard Smith, R.D. James, Sam Angel, Dr. Norma Jean Mattei and Col. Richard Pannell (Secretary). MG Richard Kaiser (incoming commander of MVD) present.

Congressional and elected officials in attendance: Rick Maynord, Office of Rep. Steve Coehn (TN-9), Chris Caldwell, Office of John Boozman (AR); Jeff Morris, Office of Sen. Tom Cotton (AR); Bill Crump, Office of Sen. Thad Cochrane (MS); Judge Rusty McMillan of Green County; Allen Latimer Mayor of Horn Lake.

9:01 MG Wehr called the meeting to order

9:05 MG Wehr provided introductory comments and the MRC’s strategic messages. Audio Transcript

9:13 Col. Mike Ellicott Memphis District Commander provided an overview of MR&T projects and Corps of Engineers activities within the district. Audio Transcript

9:24 Allen Latimer, Mayor of Horn Lake – Requested assistance with flood projects for Horn Lake. Mr. Shields, Director of Public Works for Horn Lake, gave outline of flood issues in Horn Creek Lake basin and requested a Corps study on the basin. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

9:30 Deidra Smith, Arkansas Waterways Commission – Discussed the Tentatively Selected Plan for the three rivers study in the White and Arkansas River basins; the Osceola Port and water commerce in Arkansas. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

9:35 Jim Carroll, Piney Drainage District – Discussed drainage issues in his district and the project in the lower end of the district; Corps proposed a feasibility study but the drainage district doesn’t have enough money to pay for the study and requested more financial support to complete the feasibility study. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

9:42 Jimmy Moody, Dyer County Levee and Drainage District No. 1 – Gave an update on the placement of rock and bank stabilization at the Dyer County Little Levee and the flood control

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Memphis, Tenn. Wednesday, August 9, 2017, 9:00 a.m. benefits of the project during the recent flood; discussed erosion issues at Island 26 and 27 dikes and how it will divert channel. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

9:48 Rob Rash, St. Francis Levee District of Arkansas –Discussed the design of the St. Francis Basin system and how the levee had one foot of freeboard during 2011 flood, but now regulations require three feet of freeboard; history of levees in his district and the benefits of flood control and navigation for the region; asked the Corps not to nitpick the system and let bureaucratic regulations (408 permits and levee safety program) give people the opinion that the levees are inadequate. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

10:00 Jody Simmons, St. Francis Drainage District – Discussed Highway 90 and Highway 412 drift accumulation that is blocking flow through the ditches and into the St. Francis floodway and diverting flow toward the levee, increasing seepage and flooding; wants the Corps to assist in removing the drift and supporting a permanent improvement project. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

10:08 Jeff Fore, The Nature Conservancy –Discussed the planning study for Piney Creek and the Hatchie River; LMRCC project and requested more resources to complete study; environmental projects in west Tennessee. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:13 Henry Watkins, Drainage District No. 7, Poinsette County, AR – Requested maintenance at bay ditch and ditch No. 10 and Corps help to complete the rest of the ditch maintenance; requested help with Drainage ditch No. 7 pumping station. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:18 George Leavell, Wepher Marine – Thanked the Corps and Commission for helping to get money to dredge ports on the lower Mississippi; asked Corps to broaden the mandate to dredge because it would benefit Osceola. Testimony – Audio

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Memphis, Tenn. Wednesday, August 9, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:28 Break

10:50 Jennifer Sheehan, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission – Discussed wildlife area in Sunken Lands and thanked MVM for their work on the erosion problem; the need to incorporate conservation and environmental benefits into the St. Francis Basin project to enhance the project. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:53 Harvey Joe Sanner, White River Coalition – Discussed the need for navigation improvements on White River and also snags in the river that need to be removed or else the river will degrade; potential jobs that could be created in White River Basin if there was dependable navigation. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:03 John Edwards, Helena-West Helena/Phillip County Port Authority – Discussed the need to invest in water infrastructure for navigation, flood control, recreation and water supply; completion of the master plan for Helena Harbor. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:11 Lee Caldwell, DeSoto County Board of Supervisors – Discussed flooding in the Memphis metro area and requested that a feasibility study be undertaken to address flooding issues in DeSoto County. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:21 Gary Patterson, Center for Earthquake Research and Information – Thanked the Corps for its help and collaboration in gathering data for models for floods and earthquakes. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:25 Chris Cramer, Center for Earthquake Research and Information – Discussed earthquake studies and hazard mapping in five Tennessee counties to determine potential impacts of earthquakes on Corps flood control projects. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Memphis, Tenn. Wednesday, August 9, 2017, 9:00 a.m.

11:31 Diana Threadgill, The University of Memphis-Meeman Biological Center – Discussed the Comprehensive Master Plan for conservation development of the Meeman property. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

11:40 Larry Banks, Lundell Farms, LA – Discussed the Lower Cache River restoration project and flooding impacts at Lundell Farms due to the project system causing shoaling; believes that the project will cause shoaling, so he wants a study under the Section1135 program or MR&T project to adapt the design of the system to reduce shoaling; requested weirs be redesigned to a 1/20 slope. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:57 Lynn Muench, American Waterways Association – Discussed P3 partnerships for infrastructure improvements; the Missouri River environmental restoration project and supports option 3, but the option needs to give more consideration to flood control and navigation; navigation industry’s concerns with the Brandon Road Study and does not support the study’s recommendations because of potential impacts on navigation. Industry supports a non-structural solution to the Asian Carp problem. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

12:05 Commission member closing remarks Audio Transcript

12:25 Meeting Adjourned

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Vicksburg, Miss.

Friday, August 11, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Approximately 75 members of the public attended the meeting. Mississippi River Commission members present: MG Michael Wehr, BG Mark Toy, RADM Shepard Smith, R.D. James, Sam Angel, and Col. Richard Pannell (Secretary).

Members Absent: Col. Paul Owen and Dr. Norma Jean Mattei

Congressional and elected officials in attendance: Delbert Hosemann (Mississippi Sec. of State); Chase Emerson, Office of Senator John Boozman (AR); Michael Eby, Office of Sen. Bill Cassidy (LA); Ben Gilmore, Office of Senator Westerman (AR); JoAnn Clark, Office of Sen. Thad Cochrane (MS); Office of State Rep. Oscar Denton (MS); Mayor Fred Reeves of Port Gibson, MS; Mayor Frank Hash of El Dorado, AR; Mayor George Flaggs of Vicksburg.

9:03 MG Wehr called the meeting to order

9:07 MG Wehr provided introductory comments and the MRC’s strategic messages. Audio Transcript Presentation

9:19 Col. Mike Derosier Commander of Vicksburg District provided an overview of MR&T projects and Corps of Engineers activities within the district. Audio Transcript Presentation

9:31 Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi Sec. of State – Discussed flooding in 16th District, Atchafalaya Basin easements, oysters in Gulf Coast and impact of Bonnet Carre operation on oysters and local fishermen; flow distribution at Old River and recommended changing operation and further study on Old River 70/30 split; proposed changing PL-780 and wants Commission to recommend this change. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

9:42 Reynold Minsky, 5th Louisiana Levee District – Discussed items completed in his levee district and issues with contracts awarded to low bidders on levee contracts and contractors defaulting; asked the Corps to consider factors, such as qualifications, rather than just who offers the lowest bid; asked the corps to consider using faster-growing sod on levees. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

9:49 Rayford Wilbanks, Ouachita River Valley Association – Stated that the ORVA does not agree with the study’s decision to not provide the full levee of navigation service for the

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Vicksburg, Miss.

Friday, August 11, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Ouachita River; discussed the losses in economic benefits of not promoting the Ouachita and Black river navigation project; requested that the Commission support providing more funding for the FY18 budget for Ouachita-Black River project and dredging for Lake Providence harbor; also requested that bank stabilization be added to Ouachita-Black River and requested several other items in the Ouachita-Black basin be added to budget. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

9:58 Peter Nimrod, Mississippi Levee Board – Discussed ongoing and completed levee enlargement work and other work in his district; projects completed after 2011 flood and issues with relief wells; criticized recent NWS forecast that was 3-4 feet too low; criticized a local contractor who bids low to get work but then defaulted; requested that the Corps create a list of qualified contractors that the Corps can choose from to avoid hiring unqualified contractors; also requested $500 million annually and $7.1 billion to complete MR&T; discussed Yazoo levee’s minimally acceptable rating. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

10:09 Hank Burdine, Mississippi Levee Board – Gave testimony on behalf of Elizabeth Ames Coleman and it focused and the transportation of petroleum products on inland navigation system and the economic benefits of navigation to the nation; also gave a statement on behalf of Austin Golding of Golding Barge Line and discussed the benefits on inland navigation and barge transportation for nation. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:19 Break

10:33 Kelley Williams, Bigger Pie Forum –Discussed the operation of Old River Control and flooding in the batture lands above the structure; wants the Corps and Commission to support a study to evaluate modifying 70/30 operation of the structure and to change the law authorizing the flow distribution; also discussed the impacts of the structure’s operation on backwater flooding in Vicksburg and rising low-water and high-water stages since 1940 and he believes the Old River Control Structure is the cause. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Vicksburg, Miss.

Friday, August 11, 2017, 9:00 a.m. 10:52 Jennifer Sheehan, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission –Discussed the Sulphur River Wildlife Management Area and asked for MVK’s cooperation on this project; the Beryl Anthony Wildlife management Area and how navigation structures on the Ouachita can be altered to benefit area. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

10:55 Sherrel Johnson, Union County Conservation Board, AR – Discussed water supply and the Corps taking on water supply and aquifer restoration as a mission; Thatcher L&D’s beneficial impact on aquifer restoration and using surface water storage to allow recharge of aquifers and reduce amount of water drawn from wells. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:04 Angie Rodgers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Discussed the LMRCC and its various projects done with the Corps though the Lower Mississippi River Resource Assessment; discussed a recent law that would require a habitat restoration, water quality, and recreation resource feasibility study on the lower Mississippi River; wants the commission and Corps to remember to balance resources on river. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:09 Robert Tyson, R.W. Tyson Producing Co. – Discussed increased flooding above Old River and his hope that the Commission will consider Kelley Williams’ proposal to modify the operation of Old River Control Structure. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:12 Craig Shackleford, Tensas Regional Water District – Discussed preservation and restoration of the alluvial and Sparta aquifer and how we need to use excess flows from Arkansas River to prevent aquifer depletion; the Bayou Meto project. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:16: Gene Higginbotham, Southeastern Arkansas Economic Development District – Discussed navigation and harbor improvements and their positive impacts on the economy. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Vicksburg, Miss.

Friday, August 11, 2017, 9:00 a.m.

11:19 Robert Crear, Rye Development – Discussed the development of hydropower at existing Corps reservoirs and various FFP projects on Corps lakes; stated that the biggest impediment to hydropower development is the process to get a project approved is too long (7 years) because of existing legislation. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:29 Diedre Smith, Arkansas Waterways Commission – Discussed Ouachita River navigation and also requested water supply be made a part of the river’s mission; proposed navigation improvements for the Red River. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:32 Don Christy, Yazoo Mississippi Delta Joint Water Management District – Discussed agricultural water usage, water supply and aquifer restoration and the need for the Corps to add this to its mission; laws allowing for capital costs for projects and alternative means of financing capital projects are needed. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:42 Fred Ballard, Mississippi Levee Board – Complimented the Corps recent work and says that his faith in the partnership has been restored. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:44 Commission member closing remarks Audio Transcript

12:04 Meeting Adjourned

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Houma, La. Friday, August 18, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Approximately 40 members of the public attended the meeting.

Mississippi River Commission members present: MG Michael Wehr, RADM Shepard Smith, R.D. James, Sam Angel, Dr. Norma Jean Mattei and Col. Richard Pannell (Secretary).

Members Absent: BG Mark Toy and Col. Paul Owen

Congressional and elected officials in attendance: Andre Miller, Office of U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (LA-6); Michael Eby, Office of Sen. Bill Cassidy (LA); Dove Gordon, Terrebonne Parish President; Amos Cormier, Plaquemines Parish President; Beryl Amedee, LA State Rep. Dist. 51.

9:03 MG Wehr called the meeting to order Introductions

9:07 MG Wehr provided introductory comments and the commission’s strategic messages. Audio Transcript

9:16 Col. Mike Clancy Commander of New Orleans District provided an overview of MR&T projects and Corps of Engineers activities within the district. Audio Transcript

9:38: Gordon Dove, Terrebonne Parish President –Discussed the backwater flooding from the Atchafalaya in Catahoula and the need for a study and project to solve the problem; the need for dredging of the Houma Navigation Channel. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

9:47 Amos Cormier, Plaquemines Parish President – Discussed the BUDMAT program in his parish and the New Orleans to Venice levee and how the definition of watershed impacts mitigation credits; wants a reanalysis the definition of watershed for mitigation. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:05 David Rabalais, Terrebonne Port – Discussed the Houma Navigation Channel and the need to maintain a 15-foot channel; requested authorization of a 20-foot channel and Corps support for a sediment trap to solve the sedimentation issue in the Houma Channel. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

10:17 Tim Matte, St. Mary Levee District – Discussed backwater flooding in St. Mary Levee District from Mississippi River water backing up in the Atchafalaya; the Bayou Chene project to

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Houma, La. Friday, August 18, 2017, 9:00 a.m. address the issue; levee district has a design for the project but requests the support for 408 permitting; criticized the 408 permitting process. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:28 Break

10:48 Aimee Andres, Inland Rivers Port and Terminals – Discussed navigation on the Mississippi and Atchafalaya and its economic benefits; the need for cheap, dependable navigation; and the need for updated locks and dams and increased O&M for navigation. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:54 Dwayne Bourgeois, North Lafourche Levee District –Discussed the Bayou Chene project and its positive impacts on stages; asked the commission to reflect on its journey from Cape Girardeau to Houma and submitted the MVFCA formal statement. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

10:57 Joe Baustian, The Nature Conservancy –Discussed the Atchafalaya River Basin Initiative and wetlands restoration and preservation and provided an update on the project. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Presentation Testimony – Transcript

11:08 Reggie Dupre, Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District –Discussed Morganza to Gulf project and provided updates on projects in the Terrebonne District; discussed Morganza to Gulf Lock and 408 approval for project and he criticized the 408 process and compensatory mitigation; requested that the district be allowed to augment its levees and add them to new starts. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:17 Sean Duffy, Big River Coalition – Discussed the Mississippi River ship channel project, the importance of navigation and the need to limit draft restrictions through increased dredging; loss of wetlands and the scales that are killing the vegetation that holds the land together, leading to the loss of new lands created by BUDMAT. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

Executive Summary Mississippi River Commission Public Meeting MV Mississippi – Houma, La. Friday, August 18, 2017, 9:00 a.m. 11:29 Mac Wade, Port of Morgan City – Criticized the focus on process and regulations instead of results, especially in the permitting process. He also discussed a recent dredging project that ran out of funds two miles of completion. The port would have paid for the remainder of work using its own money, but since there was no MOU in place to allow this, the work was never completed. Instead, the port had to take $1.5 million off its regular O&M budget to perform emergency dredging, and this cut short funding for the port’s demo project. He also discussed Sec. 1113 contained in the WRDA and criticized the backlog of 408 permits in the New Orleans District and the district’s poor reputation for processing permits. He requested that 408 process be streamlined and improved. He also discussed the agitator hopper dredge demo and asked the Corps to come to the table to build something, which the port would pay for, otherwise the port will hire a third party. He also criticized the ineffective dredging in his port’s channel that requires the material to be removed a second time. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:43 Craig Romero, Port of Iberia – Discussed various projects, modules and goods shipped at his port and its economic significance, but he was upset that despite the significance of his port, it was not mentioned in the New Orleans District update. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:51 Cory Kief, North Lafourche Levee District – Discussed the challenges of conducting commerce on waterways and the challenges facing the levee district and the ports, especially the lack of channel dependability; the Bayou Chene closure project and floodgates for Intracoastal Waterway; mitigation credits. Testimony – Audio Formal Statement on Record Testimony – Transcript

11:59 Commission member closing remarks Audio Transcript

12:18 Meeting Adjourned