WIUM Local
(2008-07-03)
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs Director Chris Merrett.
The research will focus on two main areas. One is the direct impact of the flood, such as damage to homes and businesses. The other is the indirect impact of the flood. This could include lost tax revenue and salaries not paid by businesses closed because of flooding.
Faculty and staff from three departments will collaborate on the long-term study. Those departments are the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, the Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Geographic Information Systems Center.
IIRA Director Chris Merrett says the study should provide good, hard data to help guide future development so that there's less damage.
Merrett says the Mississippi provides a huge economic benefit to the region, but adds it comes with a price because the river periodically does things we cannot control.
You can listen to an interview with IIRA Director Chris Merrett by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*State agencies that will participate in the project include the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity, and the Illinois EPA.
*WIU says the initiative was proposed by Governor Rod Blagojevich's office. © Copyright 2012, wium
