By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – Seven Missouri River state Governors want the Army Corps of Engineers to make flood control of the Missouri River basin a top priority.
The Governors of Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, and Iowa's Lieutenant Governor spoke Friday following a closed-door meeting in Omaha with the Army Corps of Engineers. They want the Corps to make flood control and prevention its top priority.
Governor Dave Heineman says the Corps should also look at alternatives and changes to prevent future floods. "We request that the Corps provide recommendations for specific operational changes to afford greater flood protection in the basin in the future, and consult with the states and the tribes in selecting and implementing any changes."
South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard says flood control must be the Corps' focus. "Even though there are eight recognized uses for the Missouri River reservoir system, this is probably the first time this group of Governors has come together and said in a very clear voice that flood control must be the top priority by the Corps in managing the system."
The letter also calls for an outside review of the Corps' procedures this season.
Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds says a September ninth meeting is planned in Council Bluffs for businesses and residents affected by Missouri River flooding.
The Governors plan to meet again in November, ahead of the Corps' release of its 2012 plans.
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, who was scheduled to attend the meeting, decided not to. Schweitzer told the AP Friday that he felt the other Governors were focused on flood control and not issues important to his state, such as recreation.