Davenport’s Public Works Department is fighting the Mississippi River for the second time this year. For the past couple of days, crews have been building dirt levees downtown along River Drive, which is closed in downtown Davenport.
Art Bartleson, a Street Department Supervisor in Davenport, says the second time’s proving to be a bit easier as they build a levee they hope will keep surging Mississippi River waters at bay. "We picked up some things a month and a half ago that are actually making this go a little bit smoother this time," Bartleson says.
A reporter asked Bartleson how much overtime he’s racked up this year. "This year?" Bartleson said, with a laugh. "It’s hard to say how many hours. We’ve worked some long days."
Forecasters expect the Mississippi River to crest at more than three feet above flood stage this weekend in the Quad Cities. That prediction could change, of course, especially if it rains again.