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Study focuses on Missouri River vulnerabilities

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October 15th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study says more research and monitoring are needed to reduce the likelihood of damage along the Missouri River in future floods. The study released Monday focuses on remaining vulnerabilities after the Missouri River rose to record levels last year. The 2011 flooding began after the corps started releasing massive amounts of water from upstream reservoirs filled by melting snow and heavy rain.

Most repairs to damaged levees in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri are expected to be finished before next spring, with work on the river’s dams expected to take longer. Numerous studies are in the works, including ones that explore whether climate change played a role in the 2011 flooding.