JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Near-record flooding in Missouri has dominated headlines and the Governor’s attention this week.
Heavy rains and rapid snowmelt has led to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers levels rising drastically in the last week. As a result, the rivers have flooded causing levees to be breached, roads to be closed, and towns to be evacuated.
On Thursday, Gov. Mike Parson declared a state of emergency in response to the flooding. He also activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions.
“The rising floodwaters are affecting more Missouri communities and farms, closing more roads and threatening levees, water treatment plants and other critical infrastructure,” Parson said. “We will continue to work closely with our local partners to assess needs and provide resources to help as Missourians continue this flood fight and as we work to assist one another.”
Parson has been monitoring the situation throughout the week while staying in contact with local officials and emergency response teams.
Spoke with U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver @repcleaver, this morning. We are both focused on the flooding across Northwest Missouri, and we are working with local partners to help as Missourians continue this flood fight. pic.twitter.com/nUe31cJmUX
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) March 22, 2019
Finished our day meeting with local officials from Buchanan County to learn more about the local flood impact. Would like to thank everyone for coming together to help in this time of need. Right now, our number one priority is to keep people safe. #MOFlood pic.twitter.com/guL14L3lyh
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) March 21, 2019
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) March 21, 2019
Parson also provided an update on the progress of restructuring state government. Monday marked the end of the 60-day period in which the Missouri General Assembly could vote to oppose the proposed changes initiated by Parson through a series of executive orders.
The restructuring plan will affect the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration.
The first phase of the plan kicked off with three executive orders signed by Parson in January. The next two phases of the restructuring occur on July 1, when the state’s fiscal year begins, and August 28, when the executive orders take effect.
The first “Farmer’s Talk” of 2019 saw Parson join a panel of agriculturalists on Thursday.
“Agriculture, and our farming communities, are the backbone of the Show Me State,” said Parson. “As a farmer, I think it’s important that we get out of Jefferson City and engage in conversations with those who are directly involved in production agriculture. These are important discussions about local infrastructure needs, preparing to meet growing world food demands, and giving the next generation of our agriculture workforce the tools to succeed.”
In advance of the 34th KMMO Ag-Day, the talk was hosted at the home of family farmers Isaac and Elizabeth Christy in Nelson, Missouri. Parson was joined by Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn to hear directly from farmers and ranchers in central Missouri as they prepare for planting season.
“It was my family’s honor and privilege to host some of the best farmer leaders in Missouri agriculture, including Governor Parson,” said Isaac Christy. “Farm shops around our state is where the real work and conversation gets done. I’m proud to have a Governor that understands that.”
Leaders from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Soybean Association, and other organizations were represented.
Today we sat down—farmer to farmer—with folks in Nelson & surrounding communities. We talked about the needs we have as farmers. Important issues like infrastructure, workforce, broadband, agribusiness, & area flooding. Thank you Isaac & Elizabeth Christy for hosting us! pic.twitter.com/RrV2HEJsRA
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) March 21, 2019
We’re happy to host farmers and ranchers from throughout mid-Missouri for @GovParsonMO’s Farmer’s Talk roundtable. We’re discussing broadband, trade, rural infrastructure and many more topics important to our farming community. #beMORE | #reachMORE pic.twitter.com/QFU4LCAwa6
— Missouri Dept. of Ag (@MoAgriculture) March 21, 2019
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
