************************************

WASHINGTON, DC B U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), released the following audio statement today regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pledging to cease releasing waters from three Kansas River reservoirs: Tuttle Creek, Milford and Perry Lake, on August 7th; allowing critical water to remain in the state:

 “This is Senator Pat Roberts. I know things are a struggle in this terrible drought.

“Governor Brownback and I have teamed up to ensure state and federal resources are coordinated to best respond to this emergency.

“The Governor called my attention to the release of water from three Kansas reservoirs by the Army Corps of Engineers. Water in the Tuttle Creek Reservoir, the Milford Reservoir and Perry Lake has been released to ease navigation efforts downstream as well as protect endangered wildlife and their habitat.

“Governor Brownback and I asked the Corps to allow this critical resource to remain in our state.

“I am pleased to report the Corps will stop releasing waters August 7, and will not draw an additional 3 feet from the reservoirs in October despite the authority to do so.

“I will continue to work with Governor Brownback to make certain the needs of Kansans are the top priority when managing state resources, especially water in this historic drought.”

  ************************************