Hoeven Continues Pressing Corps to Conserve Water, Address Low Lake Levels in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven this week continued his efforts pressing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to address low water levels in North Dakota and conserve water in the upper Missouri River basin. Hoeven spoke again with Army Corps Chief Lt. Gen. William Graham on the issue, with the senator: Calling on the Corps to take all possible water conservation steps. Hoeven began this effort last fall and has since spoken repeatedly with USACE officials, including Graham and John Remus, Chief of the Corps’ Missouri River Water Management Division, on the matter. In response, the Corps has to date: Reduced flows to the minimum allowable level for spring and summer. Shortened the navigation flow support season by 15 days. The next review of Lake Sakakawea storage levels is set to occur on September 1. Considering the ongoing drought conditions in the state, Hoeven is pressing the Corps to implement a minimum release schedule, stressing the need for the agency to prepare for the drought to continue into next year. The Corps will make an official determination on future conservation steps following the September 1 review. Outlining the need to ensure access to Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe and continue supporting docks and ramps impacted by low water levels. “North Dakota is facing serious, prolonged drought conditions. We appreciate the Corps for working with us to minimize releases from the state’s reservoirs, but more needs to be done. Following the September 1 review, the Corps needs to take all possible steps to conserve water, and that’s exactly what we will continue pressing them to do,” said Hoeven “At the same time, the low water levels create access issues for Lake Oahe and Lake Sakakawea. While we work on a plan for addressing low lake levels, we are calling on the Corps to also continue supporting impacted ramps and docks to ensure access to the reservoirs.” -###-