Graves meets with Missouri River stakeholders
ST. JOSEPH, MO – On Tuesday, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) met with Missouri River stakeholders to discuss their needs and concerns following the recent floods. In addition to the impending disaster declaration and a disaster relief bill, much of the discussion centered around management of the Missouri River.
"The Flood of 2019 has been devastating," said Graves. "The Missouri River plays a huge role in everyday life and it's critical that we prioritize the needs on the Missouri River to limit adverse effects on people and property. Yesterday's meeting just reinforced that point and I appreciated the candor and ideas that came out of our discussion. I'll continue working to ensure that flood control becomes the main priority on the Missouri River."
Graves recently introduced a bill to remove fish and wildlife as authorized purposes in the management of the Missouri River and prioritize flood control.
Topics of discussion included prioritizing flood control, removing fish and wildlife from the Missouri River authorized purposes, limiting habitat reclamation programs, and navigation issues.
Discussion participants included members of the Atchison, Holt and Buchanan County Commissions, Missouri Farm Bureau, St. Joseph city officials, Triumph Foods, Coalition to Protect the Missouri River, Missouri Corn, PortKC, MRRIC, KCP&L, 139th Airlift Wing, and the St. Joe Chamber of Commerce, among others.
HERE IS WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Abe Forney, Manager, Rosecrans Memorial Airport: "Thank you Congressmen Graves for supporting Rosecrans Memorial Airport and the 139th Airlift Wing. It's encouraging to hear you say that flood control and navigation of the river should be the top priority. On March 3 we had a 7 foot river, very little flow coming from Gavins Point and a main pool of 100% capacity. Something has to change and we appreciate him working to make that change.
Lynn Muench, Chair, Coalition to Protect the Missouri River: "The Coalition to Protect the Missouri River appreciates Congressman Graves' attention to Missouri River flooding and the recovery process that is beginning. Additionally, we are thankful for his leadership to redirect the Corps of Engineers priorities for Missouri River management by establishing flood control and navigation as primary purposes of the system."
Spencer Tuma, Director of National Legislative Affairs, Missouri Farm Bureau: "Missouri Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Congressman Graves' efforts to address many issues related to flooding along the Missouri River. The Congressman knows firsthand the devastation that the recent flooding has brought to the Midwest, and is in tune with the interests of Missouri River stakeholders including prioritizing flood control along the river and seeking supplemental disaster funding in Congress, including coverage for stored grain. We are thankful for his leadership in this regard and look forward to working with him as recovery continues."
Samantha Davis, Director of Policy for the Missouri Corn Growers Association: "It is imperative we work with our Congressional delegation to address the flooding this spring and similar flood events that we've seen in recent years. Missouri Corn applauds Congressman Graves' leadership today as he communicated with farmers, landowners, and stakeholders who have been directly impacted."
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