Posted on October 21, 2026
After more than 20 years of design and construction, the project provides comprehensive flood risk reduction for a 23-square-mile urbanized basin that has historically suffered severe and frequent flooding. Major, life-threatening floods in 1977, 1993 and 1998 caused widespread damage along the Southwest Boulevard corridor and the Central Industrial District of Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri. The 1998 flood alone caused more than $12 million in damage, overtopping Interstate 35 and threatening lives and livelihoods.
“This project is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together. The dual flood threat from Turkey Creek overbank flow and hillside runoff put this vital economic corridor — home to more than 800 businesses and more than 10,000 jobs — at constant risk. Today we celebrate a comprehensive system that reduces that risk and secures the economic vitality of this area,” said Lt. Col. John Myers, deputy commander, Kansas City District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
A Comprehensive Flood Risk Reduction System
The completed project is a collection of interconnected features designed to work together. It addresses a twofold flood threat: overbank flow from the Turkey Creek basin and heavy runoff from the hillsides above Southwest Boulevard. Together, these features intercept hillside runoff, increase channel capacity, and reduce the risk of flooding that has long threatened more than $300 million in economic investment in the corridor.
Key project features include:
- Restoration of the historic 1919 tunnel — a 2,000-foot tunnel at the creek’s terminus.
- Approximately two miles (about 10,000 feet) of urban channel modification, including a walled channel, a trapezoidal and benched channel, and restored natural channel reaches.
- Levees constructed as needed to reduce residual flood risk.
- Relocation and modification of railroad and roadway bridges, including the BNSF 4.4 and 3.8 railroad bridges and replacement of the Mill Street Bridge.
- A hillside interceptor system of large pipelines — the Cherokee, Rainbow and Missouri interceptors — to capture and redirect stormwater before it reaches local streets and the Southwest Boulevard corridor.
- Environmental enhancements, including riparian tree planting and related restoration, and an integrated flood warning system.
The strong partnership between the Corps and its non-federal sponsors — the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas — was the cornerstone of the project’s success. Elected officials, local government representatives and project stakeholders are expected to attend Wednesday’s ceremony.
“This is more than just an infrastructure project; it’s an investment in the future of our communities. The completion of the Turkey Creek project ensures this region can continue to prosper for many years to come,” said Meyers.
Project Authorization and Construction
Funds for preconstruction engineering and design were first appropriated in 1998. The project was initially authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 and modified by Public Law 108-7 on Feb. 20, 2003, following a reevaluation after severe flooding. The Chief of Engineers submitted a report to Congress in December 2003 recommending the Locally Preferred Plan. Construction funds were first appropriated in 2004, and a Project Cooperation Agreement was executed July 17, 2006.
On May 13, 2016, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works recommended an increase in total project cost. The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 reauthorized the project Dec. 16, 2016. Full federal funding for project completion was received in 2020. Major construction contracts spanned 2003 through 2025, with the final Natural Reach construction completed in 2024–2025.
About the Kansas City District
The Kansas City District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delivers engineering solutions that reduce flood risk, restore the environment, and support military and civil infrastructure across a multi-state area of responsibility in the Missouri River Basin. The district works with federal, state and local partners to build strong, resilient communities. For more information, visit www.nwk.usace.army.mil.
