03.09.12

Hoeven, Corps Planning Overview of Missouri River System

Senator Continues Pressing Corps to Drop Proposal for Lake Sakakawea Water Charges

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week met with Brig. Gen. John McMahon, Commander of the NW Division of the Corps of Engineers, and other Corps officials to review flood preparations in North Dakota communities and to begin planning an overview of Missouri River management practices. Hoeven and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), along with Corps officials, are planning onsite evaluations of flood repairs and management practices in upstream and downstream communities this spring.  

“A review of the entire river system will provide a good opportunity to see both upstream and downstream management of the Missouri and the impacts it has on communities along the river,” said Hoeven. “A good overview of the entire system will help us to best manage the river in our state and other Missouri River states as well.” 

Hoeven also continued working to prevent the Corps from going forward with its proposal to charge North Dakotans for access to Lake Sakakawea water.  

“North Dakotans are rightfully opposed to the Army Corps’ plan to restrict access to the Missouri River and charge users for Lake Sakakawea water storage,” said Hoeven. “Charging our state’s businesses, farmers, and ranchers a fee to access the Missouri River is illogical and unfair. At a time when our nation needs jobs, North Dakota is moving forward. But we need water to continue to expand our economic base and create more jobs. Our state’s productive citizens rely on access to the Missouri River for their livelihoods, and the Corps should not hinder this access.” 

The meeting continues ongoing discussions Senator Hoeven and the congressional delegation have held with the Army Corps regarding its plan to restrict access to the Missouri River and charge for storage at Lake Sakakawea. Initial conversations helped delay the Corps’ proposed plan, and today Brig. Gen. McMahon confirmed that the Corps will make a final decision after it completes an internal audit to review existing policies as they relate to the basin and similar policies used throughout the country. 

 

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