A Missouri Woman's Brave Fight for Flood Resilience in Her Rural Community
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After a devastating flood claimed a life, Susan Liley rallied her community to build sustainable defenses, turning DeSoto into a model of resilience
DeSoto, MO — From a hilltop, Susan witnessed a flood take the life of a father in her hometown. She was horrified, but instead of accepting that that kind of thing just happens, she asked, "how can we prevent such disasters in the future?" Her community's story is one of resilience and determination.
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In the small town of DeSoto, Missouri, flooding has become a frequent threat to life and property. Susan was determined to do something about it.
Susan rallied her neighbors and formed a local committee to take proactive measures against future floods– all of the real estate development upstream from them was increasing the flow of water into their town. Susan first step forward toward a better future: federal funding to build a new pond and a multi-acre prairie strategically designed to absorb rainwater.
The community came together and built the giant prairie and the pond. And their hard work paid off– the prairies and the pond are absorbing the extra water, just as they had envisioned. DeSoto floods are now less severe. Today, Susan and the Citizens Committee for Flood Relief are dreaming of turning more unused spaces, like frequently flooded homes, into green areas that can further safeguard the town.
Not many people know Susan's story— please share it with your friends and let them know what you think.
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