Rep. Thompson renewed the funding request for the Yazoo Backwater Pumps Project in the new appropriations cycle.
“This project is of critical importance for the second congressional district of Mississippi,” Thompson said. These issues of flooding have persisted over the years and have worsened as evidenced by the aftermath of a severe tornado storm last year. There continues to be flooding along the lower Mississippi River and the backwater area spanning over the last 10 years.”
In 2019, the State of Mississippi endured record high flooding levels leaving over 500,000 acres of land under water for months. Between 2008-2018, approximately $377 million in damages occurred because of the continued flooding. The number has exponentially grown since last year’s critical flooding issues throughout the state.
“This issue is not only impacting the homes and livelihood of constituents when we experience high flood levels, but farmers in Mississippi are heavily impacted as well,” continued Thompson. “The big economic blow will fall on farmers in the area. With agriculture being an immense economic source, specifically in my district, it is vital for us to remedy this problem.”
Release from Congressman Bennie Thompson.
