GRAND TOWER - In 2008, anyone in Grand Tower who wanted to go for a swim just had to open the front door. The St. Louis Army Corps of Engineers are doing their best to see that's not the same in 2009.

Matt Hunn, inspection of completed works program manager, said they have four contracts working on repairing the levees after the spring floods of 2008. He said of the 90 levees he oversees, the levees in the Grand Tower area are his number one concern.

"We're going to watch it real close," Hunn said.

Though the repairs to the sliding, which is caused when mud packs into the levee making it less effective in holding water, will help, Hunn said it wouldn't be a cure-all.

He said the most important thing to do is to keep a very watchful eye on the levees on the Big Muddy River and watch for any changes.

Alan Dooley, public relations with the St. Louis Army Corps of Engineers, said work was delayed by the weather because of the increased amount of precipitation lately, but the goal is to at least make enough repairs to prevent a repeat of 2008.

"The target is to be able to provide protection by the next flood season," Dooley said.

Hunn said work is roughly 75 percent complete at the Grand Tower-Degonia back levee and the rest are down to small percentages. They are also working on the gravity drain structures.

Shawn McMahan, spokesperson for the Grand Tower Levee District, said thanks to recent efforts, the levees are probably in better shape than they have been for the past eight years.

He said that is encouraging, naturally, because if the water overflows, it affects the businesses, farms and schools in the area.

"It means everything for the community," McMahan said. "The levee protects it all."

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com / 351-5804