The Corps of Engineers is targeting a reduction of about one and one-third of a foot in the water level at Milford Lake. The flow on the Smoky Hill River has seen reduction in recent days.

The end result is that the risk of flooding in Geary County appears lower for the moment, but local officials ranging from emergency and law enforcement authorities to public works and elected officials met today ( Tuesday ) in Junction City to be prepared, just in case it becomes necessary to react in the future.

“I think we’re on the downhill for now, but big rainfall up north could put us back into having another one of these meetings,” said Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges.

Those attending the meeting learned the Corps of Engineers has received a waiver from their district officce to release 4,000 cubic feet of water per second. The operations project manager for the Corps at Milford Lake, Bill Whitworth, said how long the release is extended depends on changing conditions downstreat on the Missouri River east of Kansas City. “But right now we can release up to four thousand until we get down by another foot and a third from where we are right now. Then we’ll hold it at that level. And that level represents 80% of our flood pool. ”

If it becomes necessary at some future point there could be shelter beds at the JC Church of the Nazarene and sand bags could be provided by the Corps. Right now those are not considered necessary.