Ryan Announces $832,000 Illinois FIRST Grant to the Meredosia Lake Drainage and Levee District

MEREDOSIA -- Governor George H. Ryan today released $832,000 in Illinois FIRST funds to the Meredosia Lake Drainage and Levee District to help pay for repairs to the area's existing flood control system.

"Alleviating flooding on these waterways is a priority for my administration," Ryan said. "This project is a prime example of the long term infrastructure and quality of life benefits that the Illinois FIRST program brings to Illinois."

Heavy flooding in 1993 and 1995 caused the loss of trees and rock along the banks of the levee and significant soil erosion on the levee itself. The District needs to repair the levee with excavation, fill, retaining rocks and site cleanup.

"Without these repairs, another flood could breach the levee resulting in the flooding and loss of farmland, transportation arteries, rural residences and threatening the town of Meredosia," Ryan added.

The Meredosia Lake Drainage and Levee District maintains a levy constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The district controls 3200 acres in Cass and Morgan County and protects farm and residential property against flooding from two bodies of water -- the Illinois River and Meredosia Lake.

"Illinois FIRST has been very successful in providing local governments the necessary resources to improve the quality of life for its citizens," Ryan said. "We have been able to reach out to communities across the state and help them improve their quality of life."

The Capital Development Board administered this grant.