News Releases for July 2003
July 23, 2003
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Hoeven: Missouri River Contempt Citation Right Decision For North Dakota
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today said he welcomes a Washington, D.C. District Court ruling that the Army Corps of Engineers is in contempt of court for refusing to reduce Missouri River water flows.
“The court’s recognition of upstream interests is good news for North Dakota, and a validation of what we’ve been saying all along,” Hoeven said. “We certainly expect the Corps to comply, and that should help maintain water levels in Lake Sakakawea this summer. We recognize, however, that we need a long-term solution to Missouri River management and that can only mean a new master manual that respects the environment and the rights of people in the upstream states who are trying to make a living.”
Hoeven said he has spoken with Gov. Mike Rounds of South Dakota to help set up a summit between the Army Corps of Engineers and basin states with an interest in Missouri River management. Rounds wrote a letter to the assistant secretary of the Army last week requesting the meeting.
“A negotiated settlement is always better than a legal quagmire,” Hoeven said. “With yesterday’s ruling, downstream states may have more of an incentive to come to the table, but whether they do or they don’t, we will continue to work toward a management plan that recognizes the importance of adequate water levels in Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe and other upstream reservoirs.”
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