The Army Corps of Engineers has given the order to move barges carrying 265 tons of explosives to a point across the Mississippi River from the Bird’s Point Levee in southeast Missouri; however, the actual order to blow the levee has NOT been given. Corps spokesman Jim Pogue says they are holding the barges at Wickliffe, Kentucky for now, and are about 24 hours out from taking action, depending on the rate of water rise at Cairo, Illinois, weather forecasts, and general river water rise in the area. Many Missourians are opposed to the breach, because of the effect it would have on over 130 thousand acres of farmland. A news conference is scheduled for late this afternoon.
