Bi-State Turkey Creek Association (BS/TCA)

 

I. Background and History

The Bi-State Turkey Creek Association was formed after the October 4, 1998 flood disaster. The association currently has a membership of over 200 businesses and individuals from Kansas and Missouri that have been affected by the floodwaters of Turkey Creek over the last 35 years.

Damaging floods have occurred in 1999, 1998, 1995, 1993, 1990, 1986, 1983, 1977, 1965, 1961, 1958, 1951, and 1935. There are over 766 businesses in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas, and Jackson County in Missouri with over 10,300 jobs. All businesses and employees are directly affected by the flooding. Total flood damage has been estimated to be at least $192 million.

The Bi-State area is well served by highway and rail transportation, with Interstates 35 and 635 traversing the area. The main lines of the Burlington Northern and Union Pacific railroads also serve the area. All of these critical transportation resources are subject to flooding and major damage.

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In addition to costly damage to business and industry, major sports, concert, and convention facilities such as Kemper Area and the American Royal Arena – including the Governor’s Exhibition Hall – also endure significant flood damage, at enormous public cost.

This costly and dangerous flooding – and the mitigation of that threat – is the primary focus of the Bi-State Association. The Association has been the catalyst for an advocacy effort to secure funding for a $74 million flood mitigation project by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Funding for the project will come from Kansas City, KS, Kansas City, MO, and the federal government – with the federal government contributing approximately $46 million of the project cost.

B-STCA Greensheet Priorities – 2003

Project Description	Needed Funds	Available Funds	Remarks
Turkey Creek Flood Mitigation	$74 Million; $46 Million federal; $28 Million local	$2.5 Million	Total project has been authorized; local funding available; start-up funds available.
Turkey Creek Tunnel Annual Inspection	N/A	City Operating Budget for PWD	This activity scheduled by Public Works as needed
Catch Basin Repair – 31 Street	N/A	City Operating Budget Item	Put on Catch Basin Repair Schedule
Catch Basin Repair – SW Blvd.	N/A	City Operating Budget Item	Put on Catch Basin Repair Schedule
Fireman’s Memorial Clean up/Maint.	N/A	City Operating Budget for Parks Dept.	On Maintenance Schedule for City Fountains