Operating and Maintaining Levees To Protect Lives, Jobs & Property
The District's operations and maintenance of the federal levees have beaten back the Mississippi River in every single flood for more than 100 years. Even during the 10 highest flood levees that held against the tremendous pressure and force of the swollen and powerful Mississippi River. But we never will rest on our record - we are always must expect and be prepared for new challenges from the River.
The District Operates & Maintains Levees
Designed & Built By the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
To Provide the 500-Year Level of Flood Protection
- About 37.5 miles of Front Levee, including North and South Flanks.
- 16,425 feet of flood wall
- 52.5 miles of canals and 14 miles of sanitary sewers
- Eight storm water pump stations:
Cahokia Venice Madison
Chouteau Nameoki Venice
South, North, East St Louis Canal #1
| 1900's | 1903 Mississippi River flooded the American Bottoms. Click here to read the St. Louis Post-Dispatch summary and view the 1903 photo gallery. Enabling Act of Illinois Legislature to permit formation of The East Side Levee and Sanitary District embracing land in both counties of Madison and St Claire was passed May 17, 1907, and was in force July 1, 1907. Permanent organization was effected February 9, 1909. |
| 1960's |
September 15, 1964 |
| 1970's | The East Side Levee and Sanitary District was dissolved in 1974 and the Metro East Sanitary District was created under the Metro East Sanitary District Act of 1974 (70 LICS 2905/1-5) |
| 1980's |
April 27, 1984
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