TULSA - Tulsa County Drainage District 12 has requested and received US Army Corps of Engineers approval to develop and implement a System-Wide Improvement Framework plan to repair and restore the full operational adequacy the Tulsa Levee Systems.

According to Corps official Jamie Watts, Levee Safety Program Manager for the Tulsa District, "The Tulsa County Drainage District #12 is the first levee owner in the Southwest US and the second in the nation to initiate levee repairs under this new Corps policy." Approval of this request also conditionally reinstates the eligibility of the Tulsa - West Tulsa levees for federal rehabilitation funding under Public Law 84-99. This means federal monies could be used for repairs if the levees are damaged by a significant storm or flood event. Continued eligibility is contingent upon the Drainage District's successful preparation and execution of the plan to bring the levees into full compliance with Corps standards.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, is working closely with the Tulsa County Drainage District #12 to help them prioritize incremental risks and address them methodically in a "fix the worst first" approach. The Corps will continue to work in a partnering capacity, within the extent of its authorities, to assist Tulsa County Drainage District #12 in its efforts to improve and maintain the Tulsa - West Tulsa levee systems. Todd Kilpatrick, Levee Commissioner for Tulsa County Drainage District #12 states, "This is a great example of interagency collaboration and an important step for the overall safety of the residents in the Drainage District."