OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -  Rural bankers in 10 Midwest and Plains states worry that Missouri River flooding will hurt the region’s economy and tourism, according to a monthly survey of bankers released Thursday.

Many bankers who responded to the Rural Mainstreet survey pointed to the flood situation with concern.

“The current and potential flooding problems will certainly have an adverse economic impact on sectors of agriculture, business and on our communities along the Missouri River,” said Larry Winum, president of Glenwood State Bank in Iowa. “A sad situation for a lot of people.”

The Missouri River is rising because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is increasing the amount of water it releases from
upstream reservoirs to make room for water brought by heavy rains and a late-melting snowpack.

The river is expected to crest above flood stage in many locations by the end of June, but the water will remain high into fall.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press