More Time Needed to Assess Missouri River Plan, NCGA
Says (3-19-04)
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today urged the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers not to adopt the new Missouri River Master
Manual, final environmental impact statement (FEIS) and 2004 operating
plan until corn growers and other stakeholders are given adequate
time to review and comment on the documents.
The Corps was scheduled today to adopt the new management plan contained
within the documents, an action that would significantly change future
operations of the Missouri River. Drafts of the doctrine were made
public in late February and stakeholders were given less than three
weeks to comment on the proposals. In a March 18 letter to the Corps,
NCGA President Dee Vaughan said corn growers were not given adequate
time to analyze and comment on the provisions of the new documents.
“We’re extremely disappointed with the short comment
period granted for the Missouri River final environmental impact
statement and related documents,” Vaughan said. “The
FEIS contains an almost entirely new preferred alternative. Its impacts
are unknown and its provisions barely understood. Fourteen days is
not nearly enough time to weigh the pros and cons of this document.”
Vaughan said NCGA supports
economic uses of the river, such as power generation, flood control
for agricultural land, navigation and irrigation.
Corn growers also recognize the recreational and environmental value
of the river, he said, but highest priority should be given to the
congressionally authorized uses of the river. He said the Corps’ abbreviated
comment period goes against the agency’s long-standing goal
of involving stakeholders in policy decisions.
“This undermines public confidence in this process and the
U.S. government,” he said. “It also makes a mockery of
(Northwestern Division Commander) Brigadier General (William) Grisoli’s
assurances that public input would be considered. Corn growers are
as anxious as nearly all others to finish the Master Manual revision
process. Unfortunately, NCGA believes this action will only lead
to further legal challenges.”
To read Vaughan’s letter in its entirety, click here.