Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009

A freeze seems fair

Metro-east leaders hate it that sales tax revenue to repair the Mississippi River levees is coming in much slower than expected. Instead of the 1(*218*)4-cent tax generating about $12 million during its first year, they estimate it'll be closer to $10 million.

At least local governments have collected some money to put toward the project. The federal government, which promised to help pay for the work -- estimated at $500 million -- now says it won't have any money available until 2044. As if anyone in 2009 could possibly predict 35 years into the future.

Local leaders wisely are trying to "think outside the box" rather than call for an increase in the 1(*218*)4-cent tax. The idea of a tax increase so soon would be a nonstarter.

If the federal government isn't going to help pay the repair bill, it at least needs to delay the consequences of not fixing the levees. If the levees are decertified next year as scheduled, most residents in the flood plain would have to spend about $1,200 a year on flood insurance. Decertification also would mean that our area could forget about new economic development between the river and Interstate 255.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello has a pending bill that would freeze the federal flood insurance requirements as long as metro-east leaders are actively working to upgrade the levees.

A federal freeze in response to a federal unfunded mandate seems appropriate.