NEW ORLEANS (AP, abc24.com) - The Army Corps of Engineers says it's getting $802 million to repair levees and other structures damaged by the historic flooding on the Mississippi River this year - work considered urgent before the next spring flood season starts.
With forecasts for another wet spring next year, the corps says repairing the river system is critical. It's warning that the river's water levels remain "significantly above normal" and that weather forecasts indicate it could be "a wetter-than-usual flood season."
"The Corps of Engineers is working the entire length of the river to prepare for the possibility of more flooding in the near term," the agency said in a statement on Thursday.
Funds for repairs were part of a disaster relief spending bill signed by President Barack Obama on Dec. 23.
