News Releases for July 2003
July 14, 2003
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Hoeven Welcomes D.C. District Court Decision
Court Orders Corps To Retain More Missouri River Water In Upper Basin
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today welcomed a Washington, D.C. District Court order over the weekend requiring the Army Corps of Engineers to retain more water in upstream reservoirs. The Corps will reportedly seek to reverse the decision in the D.C. Circuit Court, the federal court of appeals in the case.
The state had joined a suit by the conservation group American Rivers and other organizations that sought the decision to protect the least tern, piping plover and pallid sturgeon. Under the order, as of July 15, releases at Gavins Point Dam will be reduced to 21,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) from 26,000 cfs, resulting in higher levels of water in the upper reservoirs, especially levels in Lake Oahe.
“Both Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe will be higher this summer than the Corps had planned,” Hoeven said. “This is good news for the environment, good news for vacationing families, and good news for owners of resorts and other recreational interests on North Dakota lakes. Our concern is ensuring that the decision stands, because the Corps is seeking to appeal.”
Hoeven has worked with the governors of upstream states and administration officials to protect the commercial and environmental interests of upstream states.
The Corps has historically managed the flow of the Missouri to accommodate the downstream barge industry at the expense of upper basin tourism, recreational and environmental interests.
Hoeven is pushing for a new Master Manual that will retain more water in the upper basin through the dry season, mitigating drought conditions, accommodating the recreational industry and enhancing habitat for wildlife. The recreation industry in the upper basin accounts for about $90 million in annual economic activity, whereas the barge industry accounts for just $7 million.
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