Hoeven to Corps: Conserve Water in Upper Missouri Basin

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven this week spoke with Lt. Gen. William Graham, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and John Remus, Chief of the Corps’ Missouri River Water Management Division, about the need to conserve water in the upper Missouri River basin, including Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe and the river, given low water levels in North Dakota. Hoeven called on the Corps to do everything possible to increase lake levels, pressing the officials to conserve water and terminate any potential releases from Lake Sakakawea. The Corps leaders indicated they are watching the levels closely and limiting releases from the mainstem dams along the Missouri River to the minimum amount necessary. The next formal review of Lake Sakakawea storage levels is set to take place on July 1. Stressing increasing drought conditions throughout the basin, Hoeven is making the case that: More water should not be released. Lake levels should not be allowed to fall this summer. The Corps needs to prepare for continued drought conditions throughout the rest of this year and into next year. “Lake Sakakawea is already 9 feet lower than expected, due to the low snowfall last winter. We cannot afford for more water to be taken out of the lake, a point I drove home in my conversations this week with Army Corps Chief General Graham and Missouri River Division Chief Remus,” said Hoeven. “I appreciate their efforts to keep releases to a minimum, as well as their commitment to conserve water, but we’re going to stay on the Corps to ensure they are doing all they can. Lake levels should not be allowed to drop any further this summer, and the Corps should be planning ahead to reduce releases over the winter and into next year so we can get the lake back up to a sustainable level.” -###-