Friday, May 18, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt's Meeting with Nixon Brings State Closer to Unified Position on Ameren Taum Sauk Disaster
JEFFERSON CITY – At a meeting today held at the request of Gov. Matt Blunt, Attorney General Jay Nixon told the directors of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Conservation and the governor that following his investigation into the Taum Sauk disaster he had decided to not file criminal charges against Ameren for the December 14, 2005, reservoir failure.
The governor called for the meeting in his office with Attorney General Jay Nixon, Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers and Department of Conservation Director John Hoskins with the hope of moving closer to a unified state position to resolve the Ameren Taum Sauk issue.
"I am very pleased that this meeting has resulted in bringing Missouri a step closer to a unified state position in resolving the remaining issues with the Ameren Taum Sauk disaster," Blunt said. "Now that the Attorney General has announced his decision in the criminal case I believe we are closer than ever to a settlement that allows Missouri to move forward.
"Regardless of whether or not Missourians agree with the Attorney General's decision that Ameren is innocent in the criminal case, we can all be pleased that his decision is made. Now, we can all move forward. I am committed to working with all parties to make certain that Missouri is fully compensated for the Taum Sauk destruction so the communities affected by this disaster may move forward."
The state has been seeking a civil settlement demand to Ameren of more than $500 million plus the value of the Rock Island Railroad and fifty-year lease for Church Mountain.
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