Thousands speak out on Missouri River plans

OMAHA, Neb. -- More than 55,000 comments have been submitted on the six alternatives for managing the Missouri River system, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said.

The six-month comment period ended Thursday for the options presented for a new master manual to operate the six dams on the Missouri River. Development of the plan has involved nearly a decade of studies, workshops and hearings from Helena, Mont., to New Orleans, La.

From far and wide

Comments came from states, groups and individuals across the United States and from Puerto Rico, Canada and France.

"We are really pleased that so many people participated in this process," said Rosemary Hargrave, who is managing the Master Manuel Project for the Corps. "This demonstrates that people believe what happens on the Missouri River is important."

The management plans include current water control provisions involving the river and its six mainstream reservoirs, and a full range of flow changes described by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Fish and Wildlife Service considers flows necessary to protect three bird and fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Evaluation slated

"In the coming weeks, we will be evaluating the comments to ensure the adequacy and accuracy of our work on the revised draft environmental impact statement," Hargrave said.

A final environmental draft impact statement naming a single preferred alternative for managing the river is expected to be released in late May. That will be followed by a 30-day comment period, with a decision made in October.

Public meetings will be held on the 2002-03 annual operating plan in November.

The revised Master Water Control Manual will be implemented in March 2003.

------

On the Net: Army Corps of Engineers: http://www.usace.army.mil/