Repairs and cleanup following the prolonged flooding along the Mississippi River will cost more than $2 billion, according to early estimates from an advocacy group for river communities. Heavier than normal snow melt in the late winter and frequent and heavy rains through the spring led to flooding that approached record levels in several towns from Iowa to Louisiana. The Mississippi has been above flood stage at some southern towns for more than 200 days. Mayors who spoke during a conference call with the media Tuesday described challenges and unusual troubles the swell has created. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)