ODoT working on plan for logjam; State Rep Bashore weighs in

OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. (KOAM) — State Rep. Steve Bashore commented Wednesday on the massive logjam at the US-60 overpass of the Neosho River.

He stated ODOT assured him they are monitoring water elevations and the amount of drift build up. They do not have any immediate concern with the structural integrity of the bridge.

“The drift appears to be mostly floating on top of the water, which is allowing water to continue to flow downstream. Although not ideal, the fact that it is floating does reduce the upstream flooding potential.”

— OK STATE REP STEVE BASHORE

They are working to develop a plan to mitigate the drift accumulation.

KOAM RELATED >> Massive logjam forms over weekend of flooding on Neosho River

KOAM RELATED >> GRDA close boat ramp at Twin Bridges State Park, logjam continues to grow

KOAM RELATED >> Pensacola Dam opens floodgates releasing 50000 cubic feet per second

Any removal must be done from the water, and the levels are too high currently. GRDA closed the boat ramp at Twin Bridges State Park Tuesday. Also that same day the US Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa opened 4 tainter gates on the Pensacola Dam. Grand Lake is currently 4.27-ft above normal. We broadcast from the dam on Wednesday showing the near 50000 cubic feet per second being released.

“ I have reiterated to the Grand River Dam Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation that these concerns are the upmost importance and must be considered as such ," Bashore said. " Years of flooding and the continuation of flooding impact more than waterways. It also threatens homes, roadways and other infrastructure throughout our district, as well as businesses and our very way of life. These state agencies must work together to find a solution ."

Miami Mayor Bless Parker has been vocal about possible flooding issues and nothing being done. He released a statement on Wednesday live from the logjam.

ODOT states, “ they appreciates the related input received from the local and elected officials .”