Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Calls on Corps to Recognize Missouri River Needs
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today called for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to recognize Missouri’s river management needs in a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army John Paul Woodley, Jr. The letter calls for the Corps to evaluate the cause of channel degradation and present a reasonable solution; establish additional navigation targets in the state; maintain existing flood controls; and increase releases from the Missouri River Reservoir System to maintain navigation on the Mississippi River.
“The Missouri River is a critical part of our state's foundation and an integral part of our economy,” Blunt said. “I will continue to ask the Corps to ensure Missouri interests are protected and that navigation and flood control remain the top priorities for river management in accordance with the law.”
In the letter, the governor raises concerns about channel degradation and its potential effects on both water supplies and state construction projects, including planned improvements to Interstate 70. He asks the Corps to evaluate the cause of channel degradation and requests that they present a solution that Missouri agrees is reasonable before they proceed with proposals to address the problem.
Blunt’s letter also reiterates that navigation and flood control are the two dominant functions of the Missouri River system. He notes that due to changes in the channel capacity, meeting navigation targets in Kansas City does not always provide enough water to support navigation through St. Louis. He asks that the Corp amend their management manual to establish additional navigation targets at Boonville and Hermann. The governor also asserts that the Corps has the legal right and responsibility to increase releases from the Missouri system to maintain navigation on the Mississippi River.
Blunt has been a strong advocate for Missouri farm families, barge and construction operations, and Missouri’s river management interests. He will continue to keep an open dialogue with the Corps to ensure the Missouri River remains an asset to the state.
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View copy of Gov. Blunt's letter to Secretary Woodley