To The Herald-Whig:

Doug Wilson's recent column about politicians at sandbagging sites brings to mind the important role elected officials should play in shaping flood control policy.

Twenty years ago a young congressman named Dick Durbin, from what was then the 20th District, sponsored a public works project proposed by local levee officials and economic development advocates. In 1992 the improvements to the South Quincy Levee were completed at a cost of $9 million for the nine miles from the lock and dam to Marblehead.

One year later that million-dollar-a-mile investment protected hundreds of millions of dollars worth of industrial infrastructure in the great flood of '93. The fact that the levee held has been a strong selling point in attracting river-related industries that require adequate flood protection. The strength of the levee this summer should bring more potential interest in expansion and investment. It has become the best protected industrial site north of St. Louis.

Sen. Durbin did a great job in directing federal assistance with Mayor John Spring, state Sen. John Sullivan and everyone involved at the state and local levels. I know he was inspired, as we all were, at the tremendous volunteer response throughout the region. Most significantly, his leadership in flood prevention in the South Quincy Levee District should establish the template for the protection of critical infrastructure on the upper Mississippi.

Charles W. Scholz

Quincy