Associated Press - January 28, 2009 9:34 AM ET

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) - A ceremony on Friday will mark the formal recognition of a planned $9 million upgrade to the flood wall along the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau.

The renovations are the result of a partnership between the city and the Army Corps of Engineers. About $3.5 million will be used to place large rock along the existing retaining wall on the river side. That work could be done by the middle of this year.

Other parts of the project include structural repairs and improvements at two pump stations.

The city assumed control of the flood wall in September. For 50 years, it has had been maintained and operated by levee districts.

Information from: Southeast Missourian, http://www.semissourian.com

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