WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sam Graves introduced legislation designed to improve management of the Missouri River. This bill would remove “fish and wildlife” from the list of authorized purposes for which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can undertake a river management project. Currently, the Corps’ Master Manual includes eight authorized purposes. By removing “fish and wildlife,” the Corps can focus more closely on projects related to navigation and flood management.

“Many communities in my district were devastated by the flooding of the Missouri River in 2011,” said Rep. Graves. “Families were displaced, homes were under water, crops were destroyed, and businesses lost significant revenue. As a result, we must take a serious look at the management of the Missouri River and make common sense reforms to ensure residents are the priority,” Graves continued. “This bill will help reduce the likelihood of future flooding and will prioritize families, farmers, and small businesses in the Corps’ management of the Missouri River.”

BACKGROUND: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the management of the Missouri River. Pursuant to the Missouri River Authorized Purposes Study (MRAPS), the Corps gives consideration to eight authorized purposes – flood control, navigation, water supply, water quality, hydropower, irrigation, recreation, and fish and wildlife. Further, pursuant to the Master Manual, which was last amended in 2006, the Corps gives priority to flood control and navigation when making Missouri River management decisions. Environmental groups have continually challenged the river management procedures of the Army Corps in order to gain greater consideration for fish and wildlife.