Farmers file class action lawsuit against Army Corps of Engineers

CHARLESTON, MO (KRCU) - A group of 25 Mississippi and New Madrid County farmers filed a class-action lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers following the breach of the Birds Point Levee earlier this week.

The plaintiffs claim that the damages caused by the man-made breach exceeded the scope and the use of flowage easements on flooded property. The lawsuit also takes note that easements were acquired for an a monetary amount far below the current property value.

Attorney Mike Ponder represents the farmers.

“We are hoping that this will be one more tool that helps the farmers of Mississippi and New Countries put their lives back together again,” Ponder said.

Ponder says that the government has 60 days to respond.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: agriculture,Army Corps of Engineers,Birds Point,class-action lawsuit,Mike Ponder,Mississippi County,New Madrid County