A track hoe removes built-up silt and mud from City Front Tuesday morning. “As the river recedes, we try to keep it accessible,” said City Public Works Director Bubba Rainer. “You can do it with a fire hose, but at some point you have to use heavy equipment.” When the river is up, it deposits mud and silt along the banks that stays as the water recedes. The river level Tuesday was 9.7 feet; flood level is 43 feet.