(KAIR) -- A part of the Missouri River near Atchison has been revitalized in an effort to bring it back to its original form.
Excavation for the Dalbey Bottoms Missouri River Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Site began in January, several miles south of Atchison.
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers started purchasing the nearly 1,600 acres for the project in 2007.
Congress authorized the fish and wildlife mitigation effort in 1986 as a way of returning the Missouri River to a condition that resembled its original environmental state before channelization, bank stabilization and other man-made modifications.
Kirk Thompson, area biologist with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism says the Corps had to negotiate with area property owners.
(Play Audio) RT: :21
The corps issued a $7.46 million contract to improve habitat along the river for species such as the pallid sturgeon.
Thompson says the Corps part of the revitalization consisted of making new channels.
(Audio Continues) RT: :32
Thompson says the Corps is still working with the railroad to gain public access via vehicle or to hunt; however, the area can be accessed by boat.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Severe storms move through NE KS
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS replacement plates see long wait times
Atchison's BC names Educator of the Year
LATEST STORIES
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Trail rides ending at Indian Cave State Park
Atchison's BC names Educator of the Year
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Road, railway repairs, underway in Atchison this week
KS replacement plates see long wait times
RELATED STORIES
Atchison Co Commission Focuses On Speed Limits
Warnock Lake in Atchison Under Public Health Warning
Auburn School Board Approves Bids
Amelia Earhart Bridge Open to Final Traffic Configuration
One Person Injured in Atchison Wreck
MMA Meet and Greet Hopes to Provide Spark to Atchison Economy
Atchison Co Commission to Talk Transfer Station Privatization
Atchison Co to Take Over Township Road Maintenance
Atchison Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault
St. Joseph Man in Custody for Atchison Car Burglaries and Chase