American Rivers Releases National Agenda to Congress, State, and Local Officials

While listening to a local radio news station, KMOX, my ears perked up when I heard a report about overhauling our nation's flood response. Living near a floodplain, I quickly turned up the volume to hear clearly, what this story entailed.

National organization, American Rivers, is proposing an agenda for U.S. Congress, state, and local officials to review on how to pursue helping counties, cities, and towns against flooding along our nation's river ways. This request comes from the recent flooding this past spring, which is being called a 500-year flood, the second one in less than 20 years.

I was not sure who American Rivers was, so a quick Google search led me to AmericanRivers.org. I learned that this is the only national organization in existence, which protects and promotes the health and safety of America's rivers. It was founded in 1973 and has more than 65,000 members and supporters. Their campaigns and what they involve are:

Healthy Waters

Defending the Right-to-Know legislation that citizens be made aware of sewage pollutions, and educate developers and local governments in storm water management techniques such as water gardens.

Water for Life

New approaches for providing reliable water sources to different communities, plus working with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in identify water issues related to water efficiency standards.

River Renewal

Provide funding and technical assistance to help communities restore river functions and sets up new community policies for flood protection, working with nature rather than against it.

River Heritage

An advocate for the protection of, and develop public awareness for a new appreciation for America's free-flowing rivers through the designation of wild and scenic places. Connect people with local rivers through the establishment of Blue Trails to boost tourism, community pride, and ethical conservation.

American Rivers is asking officials to look at eight areas that relate to community protection from flooding.

Get people out of harm's way.

Stop further wetland and stream destruction.