St. Louis Media Takes on Flooding
St. Louis media has recently shown an increased interest in the issue of flooding throughout our region. At MSD Project Clear, this problem is in no way new to us. We’ve been observing this growing trend for years, though we’re limited in the extent to which we can help.
The problem of flooding is multi-faceted, covering multiple jurisdictions and involving several agencies. No story highlights this better than St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s explanation of the diversity of flooding issues in our region. Flooding is not a problem in a single area. These issues are happening across our region, and they’re only getting worse. Yet without a regional approach, any solution is temporary and insufficient.
St. Louis Public Radio’s deep dive into the recurring flooding in University City further underscores the complexity and urgency of this problem. Several University City residents live in a known floodplain. Flooding in this area isn’t a matter of if – it’s when. Yet the scale of the problem is more than the local flood authorities can address, and it’s only getting worse. Meanwhile, coverage from KMOV and St. Louis Public Radio highlighted Governor Parson's recent vetoes on flooding and erosion projects, stressing the need for new funding solutions.
These pieces affirm what we at Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) understand: the escalating flooding and erosion challenges exceed our region's stormwater systems' capacity. However, we at MSD believe we can contribute to a regional solution through our Project Clear initiative.
These media narratives should inspire us to action, not raise alarm. The path to resolving the flooding issue, while complex, is one we can navigate through commitment, collaboration, and innovative thinking. At MSD, we stand ready to take part in this shared mission. Working together, we can safeguard our communities, protect our environment, and ensure the availability of clean, safe water for generations to come.
