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ST. LOUIS NEWS TODAY - Thursday, March 20, 2007

High Water on Mississippi River at St. Louis Riverfront

While residents and businesses battle flood waters in many St. Louis area communities, sightseers including the Winkler and Bradshaw families visited the St. Louis Riverfront, Thursday afternoon, to watch the strong currents of the Mississippi River.

The Cook family from Des Moines, Iowa were in town to visit the St. Louis Zoo, but stopped on the Riverfront to see how high the Mississippi River had risen in front of the Gateway Arch.
High Water on Mississippi River at St. Louis Riverfront

The 'Return of the Captain' just south of the Eads Bridge has drawn many visitors to see how high the water had risen on the 26 ft bronze statue.

Mississippi River levels are expected to crest at 31.2' in St. Louis (flood level is 30) and the Missouri River will crest at 27.7' St. Charles area (flood level is 25). However, the Meramec River at Eureka will reach record levels at 43' on Saturday (flood level is 18).

Flood Waters Impact St. Louis Area Communities
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), March 20, 2008 - "Disasters like this always bring out the best in Missourians and we have seen this with neighbors helping neighbors in communities impacted by the flooding," Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt said in a release today.

"There has also been overwhelming support from the business community to provide essential needs for the victims of this disaster. Their charity is greatly appreciated and a true demonstration of public-private partnerships."

St. Louis County Emergency Operations Center is recommending the citizens of St. Louis County who reside in the low lying areas near Valley Park, Fenton, Eureka, and unincorporated St. Louis County comply with a voluntary evacuation due to high water levels from the Meramec River.

The river is currently rising and is not expected to crest until Saturday morning at record levels of 43' feet (flood level is 18'). The Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the water levels and will be advising citizens on necessary precautions to be taken.

For information, residents of Valley Park can call 636-225-5171.

Residents of unincorporated St. Louis County and Eureka can call 314-615-5000.

Residents of Fenton can call 636-343-2080.

In many areas, roads have been impacted by fast rising water. The Missouri Department of Transportation's Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org shows locations where state highways have been closed because of flooding. The map is updated as conditions change during severe weather.

Motorists can zoom in for details across the state. A text-only version that gives information by route and county is also available.

In addition to the map, MoDOT offers a toll-free telephone number - 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636) - for motorists to call to learn more about road conditions.

Gasoline Prices Climb Above $3 Mark in Missouri

The U.S. Department of Energy issued new projections March 11 estimating that higher crude oil costs could push U.S. average retail gasoline prices this spring to peak near $3.50 per gallon, as reflected at the BP station on Manchester Street.

Gasoline Prices Above $3 Mark Across Much of Missouri
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), March 16, 2008 - Gasoline prices shot above the $3 mark across much of Missouri this week. With the likelihood of even higher fuel prices to come, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Center is renewing its "Saving Green on Gasoline" campaign, offering tips and information to help Missourians save on fuel costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy issued new projections March 11 estimating that higher crude oil costs could push U.S. average retail gasoline prices this spring to peak near $3.50 per gallon, while diesel prices are expected to average around $3.70 per gallon in March and April.

"Many drivers feel helpless in the face of higher fuel costs," said Anita Randolph, director of the Missouri Energy Center. "The only way most of us can take some control of commuting costs is through more energy-efficient driving. By following fuel economy and conservation measures, many drivers can make dramatic cuts in their transportation costs."

The Energy Center's "Saving Green on Gasoline" Web page and brochure include tips and links to Internet resources on driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, trip planning, carpooling, mass transit, and car buying. A few of these tips are:

Plan driving routes to avoid congested areas. Avoid rush hour and peak traffic times when possible.
Avoid extended warm-ups. Don't rev up the engine. Instead, accelerate gently and drive slowly for a mile or so.
Accelerate smoothly and moderately. Achieve the desired speed and then keep steady pressure on the accelerator.
Do not let the engine idle for more than a minute. It takes less gasoline to restart the car than it does to let it idle.
Minimize braking. Anticipate speed changes. Let off the accelerator immediately after noticing a red light or slowed traffic ahead. Observe the posted speed limit. On the highway, most automobiles get about 20 percent more miles per gallon at 55 mph than they do at 70 mph.
Have your car tuned at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Regular tune-ups extend engine life and improve performance. A poorly tuned car can use as much as 3 to 9 percent more gasoline than a well-tuned one. The tune-up will pay for itself in gasoline savings and car reliability.
Keep the engine air filter clean. Clogged filters waste gasoline.
Use the gasoline octane and oil grade recommended for your car. Most cars run fine on regular. Regular grade fuel costs 10 percent less than premium grade. Look for the best price and limit purchases when prices are high.
Check tire pressure regularly. Under-inflated tires increase gasoline consumption. Every pound of pressure under the recommended pounds per square inch can cause a 2 percent loss in fuel economy.
Where it is available, public transportation may be the least expensive way to commute. One person switching from driving alone to riding the bus or train to work can reduce transportation costs up to $1,500 annually.
Regularly sharing rides to work with a coworker can effectively cut commuting costs in half.

For the complete list of "Saving Green on Gasoline" information and tips, visit the department's Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/savinggreen.htm.

House Adds Special Rebate Tax-Free Holiday
JEFFERSON CITY, (SLFP.com), March 16, 2008 - House Ways and Means Committee has passed legislation that would establish the Show-Me Green Tax Holiday and that would create a tax-free holiday to make the economic stimulus checks that Missourians will soon receive go even further.

In a statement, Governor Blunt said, "The Show-Me Green Tax Holiday not only will save Missouri's families money, but will help lower their monthly energy bills and help protect our environment. I also strongly support the House's addition of the economic stimulus tax-free holiday to help families benefit even more from the economic stimulus rebates they will be receiving."

House Bill 2250, sponsored by Rep. Mike Sutherland, would create the Show-Me Green Tax Holiday Act authorizing a state sales tax exemption on the purchase of energy efficient products costing $1,500 or less. The sales tax holiday would be held during a seven-day period each year. The types of energy-efficient products that would be tax exempt would include dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, ceiling fans, light bulbs, dehumidifiers, and programmable thermostats that meet or exceed the requirements of the federal Energy Star Program.

The legislation also establishes a one-time sales tax holiday to help benefit Missouri families by exempting all items $600 or less from state and local sales taxes June 27 through June 29, 2008. The sales tax holiday would follow the delivery of stimulus rebate checks to Missouri taxpayers from the federal government.

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