News Releases for November 2006
November 4, 2006
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Challenges Corps On Release From Lake Audubon
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven challenged the Army Corps of Engineers today for a plan to lower water levels on Lake Audubon by three feet to balance pressure on the Highway 83 causeway that runs between Lakes Audubon and Sakakawea. Hoeven disputed the move in a telephone call with Col. David Press, the Corps' Omaha District Commander, and said the state would press its case at a scheduled meeting next week with the Corps and state and federal officials.
"This approach is backward," Hoeven said. "It makes no sense to drop water levels in the upper basin for a barge industry that doesn't even exist downstream. The Corps could accomplish the same thing by maintaining the water level on Lake Audubon and raising the water level on Lake Sakakawea. We've told the Corps - U.S. Assistant Sec. Woodley in Bismarck last month, and Col. Press again today by telephone - that the right way to do this is to implement more drought conservation measures and shorten the downstream navigation season. By reducing the season from eight to six months, the full period allowed by the Master Manual, the Corps will better manage all interests on the system and prevent these counterproductive, ad hoc patches to its management plan.
"At the very least we insist that the Corps retain water in Sakakawea to replenish Lake Audubon for the spring spawn. Draw downs beyond three feet would further jeopardize an upper basin fishery already stressed by declining water levels."
E-mail comments to the Governor
