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BAUCUS URGES ARMY CORPS TO FINISH PLAN FOR UPPER YELLOWSTONE
Senator Says, “The Foot Dragging Must End”

(Washington, D.C.) – Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus is urging the Army Corps of Engineers to do what’s right for the Paradise Valley and complete the Special Area Management Plan for the upper Yellowstone River.

Baucus is a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public – the panel that has jurisdiction over the Water Resources Development Act. In the 1999 WRDA, Baucus inserted a study, which called for taking a comprehensive look at managing the river. The study that was authorized in 1999 has still not been completed.

“This is simply not acceptable,” Baucus said.  “This river is one of the most beautiful places on earth and the Corps needs to live up to it’s commitment, so we can make sure future generations get a chance to see it and fish along its banks.”

Baucus is insisting on a project management plan within 30 days. The senator said the management plan must include any necessary shifts in financial and human resources that may be necessary to complete the final environmental assessment and Special Area Management Plan by the end of fiscal year 2008.

In a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army, John Paul Woodley, Baucus said;

“The Corps’ foot dragging and excuses must end.  The Special Area Management Project must be moved from a discussed priority to a completed policy.  The State of Montana’s Upper Yellowstone River Task Force completed its studies and issued recommendations in 2003.  It is high time the Corps did its part.”  

The Yellowstone River is a vital part of Montana’s economy and heritage.  Thousands of Montanans rely on the river to irrigate their fields and provide clean drinking water. The river also provides world class fishing and sustains good paying jobs and a multimillion dollar tourism industry.

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