The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a new Environmental Impact Statement on October 16 recommending completion of the Yazoo Backwater Area Pumps in the Mississippi South Delta to reduce flooding in the region. Comments on the document and the Pumps can be submitted until November 30, 2020. This second comment period is similar to the prior comment period that ended in June. All who submitted comments and letters for the first round are encouraged to submit a comment in this second round in support of the completion of the pumps.
“It is very important that we receive as many comments as possible,” said Delta Council President Paul Hollis of Rolling Fork. “We know that the extreme environmental organizations are going to be generating comments, and it is important that we stand toe to toe with them. We have got some great mechanisms to receive comments and I hope Deltans and friends across the state will share how to comment on their social media platforms.”
There are multiple avenues to submit your comment digitally or via post mail.
- Text PUMPS to 50457. A link will be texted to you that will lead to a submission page to fill out your information and submit a comment with the option to add a personalized message if you wish. This link may also be forwarded via text to your other contacts.
- www.forgottenbackwaterflood.com where a digital submission form can be found.
- Email your comment directly to YazooBackwater@usace.army.mil
- To post mail a comment or personalized letter, please mail to
District Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Vicksburg District
4155 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39138-3435
- To post mail a postcard (similar to the first comment period) please visit Forgotten Backwater Flood on Facebook for a list of pick up locations or contact the Delta Council office at 662-686-3350.
There will be out-of-state opposition working to submit comments as well, so it is imperative that everyone who supports the completion of the pumping plant submit a comment or letter to the Corps within this time frame. We urge Facebook users to share this information with their followers and friends via Forgotten Backwater Flood Facebook page. For additional information or questions please visit www.forgottenbackwaterflood.com or contact forgottenbackwaterflood@yahoo.com or the MS Levee Board.
