(Washington, D.C) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today introduced legislation that would elevate flood control as the top priority for the management of the Missouri River and delete fish and wildlife as an authorized purpose.

“We should not give the Piping Plover or the Least Tern the same weight as people,” said Graves. “We need to make it crystal clear that the number one priority is flood control. The damage of this past summer is something that no one wants to repeat.”

The bill would direct the Chief of the Corps of Engineers to revise the Missouri River Manual to delete fish and wildlife as an authorized purpose and to elevate flood control as the highest priority of the Corps at all times, not just during significant runoff events. That would also change the spending priorities on the river. Thisyear, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to spend $73 million on the Missouri River Wildlife Recovery Program, which includes funding for habitat creation and real estate acquisition, but only $6 million for the operation and maintenance of levees from Rulo, NE to the mouth.

“Our spending priorities are out of whack,” said Graves. “We are asking the Corps to do too many things and spend taxpayer money on items that have little or nothing to do with flood control. This bill would simplify their mission.”

The legislation is co-sponsored by Iowa Congressman Steve King, along with Missouri Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9), Jo Ann Emerson (MO-8) and Vicky Hartzler (MO-4).

“Missouri families are still dealing with the aftermath of record flooding on the Missouri River, and it is essential that the Corps take steps to ensure their actions are focused on protecting human life and property.  Too much emphasis has been placed on habitat creation and ecosystem restoration.  This legislation is an important step in ensuring that flood control is the top priority for the Corps,” Luetkemeyer said.

H.R. 2993 will likely be referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

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