(Washington, D.C) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves' first amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill passed on a 216-190 vote. The amendment transferred $1 million in funds from the Missouri River Recovery Program to the Operations and Maintenance Account to be used for levee maintenance. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spends $73 million on wildlife rehabilitation along the river, but only $6 million to build and maintain levees.
 
“We spend too much to protect fish at the expense of people,” said Graves. “I am glad the House agreed that we need to rebalance our priorities and spend money to protect homes, businesses and farmland.”
 
Graves’ second amendment reaffirms that flood control and navigation are the priorities for the management of the river. It is likely to be on the floor tomorrow.
 
“As we get ready to talk about changing the master plan, I want to remind everyone that flood control and navigation are the top two priorities,” said Graves. “We are asking the Corps to balance too many competing interests.”

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