Morganza Spillway To Close By Weekend

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the Morganza Spillway--opened to relieve stress on Mississippi River levees--could be completely closed within a week.  Spokesperson Rachel Rodi says only 5 of the 17 bays opened last month remain open.  Rodi says the Corps has been closing about 1 gate per day, and--barring anything unforseen--the Morganza should be completely closed by Sunday. She says this has been a good research experience for the Engineers, as it's the first time the spillway has been opened since 1973.  Rodi says it's hoped that high waters in the Atchafalaya Basin caused by opening the spillway will recede quickly. She says once the Morganza is closed completely, the Corps will turn it's attention to the Bonnet Carre Spillway--just upriver of New Orleans.