Lawmakers claim legislation introduced today in the U.S. house would improve the management of the Missouri River.

That legislation was introduced by Congressman Sam Graves of northwest Missouri along with Missouri representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer, Vicky Harzler and Billy Long.

The bill would remove “fish and wildlife” from the Corps of Engineers purposes of river management. By removing “fish and wildlife,”  Graves says the Corps can focus more closely on projects related to navigation and flood management.

The bill is in response to the management of the Missouri River in 2011, when record flooding was recorded in Missouri and other Midwestern states.  Graves says we must take a serious look at the management of the river and make common-sense reforms that make residents the priority.

“The Corps should not have to waste precious resources on building wildlife habitats, a duty they are not suited for and should not have to fulfill.  Our bill will help reduce the likelihood of future flooding, which our families, farmers, and small businesses deserve.”

Currently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the management of the Missouri River, including flood control, navigation, water supply, water quality, hydro-power, irrigation, recreation, and fish and wildlife.