Tuesday, September 5, 2006
CONTACT: Barry E. Piatt
or Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551
DORGAN CALLS ON ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO HELP ELIMINATE MOSQUITO SWARM IT HELPED CREATE
Dorgan says Corps has responsibility to re-direct funding toward mosquito control
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) said Tuesday the mismanagement of the Missouri River system by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has created prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. Given the risk of West Nile Virus, he said the Corps has a responsibility to find funding in its budget to help battle the mosquito swarm it helped create in Williston, North Dakota, and the surrounding area.
The Corps’ mismanagement of the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea, combined with a seven-year drought, has allowed water levels to fluctuate and create more than 20,000 acres of swampland – ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The city of Williston has asked Congress to earmark funding to help control mosquitoes, and Dorgan – a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – has included funding to help the city. But the Corps played a significant role in allowing the mosquito population to grow, and should re-program funding within its budget to help fight the insects, Dorgan said in a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army.
“The Army Corps of Engineers created these swamps, and the swamps created this infestation of mosquitoes,” Dorgan said. “The Corps now needs to take responsibility for this situation and find funding in their budget to help solve this problem. With the threat of West Nile Virus present, this is a public health and safety issue. We need to act quickly to bring relief to residents along the upper Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea.”
Dorgan included $100,000 in the Fiscal Year 2007 Energy and Water Appropriations bill pending before Congress to help control mosquitoes in Williston and the surrounding area. City officials have asked for additional funding, which led Dorgan to pressure the Corps to meet its responsibility.
--END--