Book excerpt: The goal of this study is to assist in program management by pointing out problems, both recurring and unique to 1993, which hamper an effective response to natural disasters. Starting from a historical summary of flooding on the upper Mississippi and lower Missouri rivers, it then describes 1993's disaster. Next, the general approach of the White House and Congress to flood recovery is examined. The activities of individual U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies also receive attention. Most of the document focuses on the Soil Conservation Service's flood recovery program, new wetlands and levee policies, and the vexing problems encountered in this work. Finally, the Service's work in each of the nine flood states will be discussed in detail.