Montevideo Seeks $3 Million To Complete Levee Upgrade

MONTEVIDEO (AP) - Montevideo is seeking $3 million in state money to finish upgrading its levee system.

The city has spent $7 million in federal dollars to improve the system. But one-third of a levee that was first built under emergency conditions decades ago remains vulnerable.

Officials say the section leaks, and it wouldn't be high enough or strong enough to hold back flood waters in a major catastrophe.

The city has been trying for more than 15 years to get more federal help, but the $7 million it received is the maximum allowed by federal law. The city is hoping for special congressional legislation.

In the meantime it's is asking the state to provide about $3 million in bond funds.