Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem issued the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rejected requests to increase water releases from the Missouri River to aid in navigation of the Mississippi River. In a letter, Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy stated that the Corps would take action to help address the navigation issues on the Mississippi River but that increased water releases from the Missouri River would be beyond its authority.

“I am pleased that the Corps has upheld the spirit of the law in rejecting requests to increase water releases from the Missouri River,” said Rep. Noem. “The drought has created challenges throughout the country, but releasing additional water from one river for the express purpose of aiding the navigation of another would only exacerbate the challenges faced by South Dakotans. I appreciate the swift review and action taken by the Corps in this matter.”

On November 30, Rep. Noem was joined by South Dakota’s delegation, other upstream representatives, senators and governors in calling on the Administration to reject any such requests on the grounds that it was unlawful and hurtful to upstream states also struggling from drought.