Simplifying the Management of the Missouri River
In Northwest Missouri, we are anxiously watching the Missouri River as the run-off in the Mountains begin. We all remember last year's devastating flood and its remarkable duration. It's important that we act now to prevent a repeat of this disaster.
I believe that we are asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to juggle too many responsibilities. Oftentimes, those demands are counterproductive. We should instead be focused on one overall priority.
Last year, I introduced legislation to simplify the Corps' mission. My bill would direct the Chief of the Corps of Engineers to revise the Missouri River Manual to delete fish and wildlife as an authorized purpose, and to elevate flood control to the highest priority.
That would also change the spending priorities on the river. Thisyear, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to spend $90 million on the Missouri River Wildlife Recovery Program, which includes funding for habitat creation and real estate acquisition, but only $14 million for the operation and maintenance of levees from Rulo, Nebraska to the mouth.
We should not give the Piping Plover or the Least Tern the same weight as people. We need to make it crystal clear that the number one priority is flood control. The damage of this past summer is something that no one wants to repeat.
This bill is a common sense change that will make flood control what it should always be - the top priority.
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Sincerely,
