For decades, the periodic flood waters of Turkey Creek have wreaked havoc on Rosedale businesses and property owners along Merriam Lane and Southwest Blvd. Now, thanks to the efforts of federal and local elected officials, along with other area stakeholders, significant advancements have been made in reducing the threat of future flood events.

On March 27, more than 100 people gathered at the Schutte Lumber Co. headquarters to celebrate the near-completion of repairs to the Turkey Creek diversion tunnel, which drains the waters of Turkey Creek into the Kansas River. The 1,300-ft.-long tunnel, originally constructed in 1919, had deteriorated in recent years to the point that it could have collapsed – with catastrophic consequences for Rosedale and surrounding areas.

The federal government (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), City of Kansas City, Mo., and the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kan./Wyandotte County joined together to provide the funding for the tunnel repair project – and the funding for other flood control measures along the Turkey Creek basin.

In addition to the tunnel repairs, other flood control efforts for Turkey Creek include: construction of a 2,000-ft. levee, widening of the channel, installation of large hillside interceptors to more quickly drain runoff, and environmental enhancements such as bike and walking trails and planting of native vegetation.

RDA is proud to have worked with other members of the Turkey Creek stakeholders group during the past several years to advocate for the necessary resources to implement the flood control measures. While the tunnel repairs and other flood-reduction efforts are not cheap, they represent a long-term investment in the future growth and economic development of the area.

At the celebration event, many speakers praised the bi-state cooperation and bi-partisan support for the project. U.G. Mayor/CEO Joe Reardon said of the regional approach and collaboration across state and county lines, "We ought to have more of these types of celebrations."

Other speakers and dignitaries present at the March 27 celebration included Sen. Sam Brownback, Rep. Dennis Moore, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, and KCMO Mayor Mark Funkhouser. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond was scheduled to appear, but was delayed due to poor weather. RDA encourages its constituents to thank these officials for their support of the Turkey Creek flood control project.