Federal funding to support flood repairs in Cape Girardeau

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — After a summer of repeated flash flooding, Cape Girardeau officials are working to repair damaged infrastructure and improve drainage in vulnerable areas.

Federal funding will help pay for culvert improvements and repairs to streets damaged by floodwaters. Public Works Director Casey Brunke said the Missouri Department of Transportation is also evaluating crossings near the intersection of Kingshighway and Bloomfield Road, which experienced significant flooding.

“MoDOT is working on some of their crossings along the Kingshighway-Bloomfield area,” Brunke said. “They’re making sure that their culverts are sized properly, and they’re making sure that they’re all open and flowing.”

Brunke described the summer as one of the wettest she could remember in years. Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding across the city, damaging streets and allowing water into the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Several police vehicles were also damaged.

“The police station got some water in it. Some of our streets got undermined,” Brunke said. “Anytime that we can get some help to fix these things that were unexpected, it is always a good thing.”

Brunke said much of the funding is expected to support work near the police station. Some of the money will also be used to repair streets undermined by floodwaters.

City officials said some repairs are already underway.