Washington, D.C. – Congressman Rick Berg today expressed his frustration with the Army Corps of Engineers’ recent decision to reject North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple’s request to lower water levels in Lake Sakakawea. 

In a speech given this afternoon on the House floor, Berg urged the Corps to give Missouri River states more input in the management of the Missouri River, emphasizing that flood protection must be the Corps’ top priority.

“I strongly disagree with this decision,” Berg stated. “The people of North Dakota are more than just frustrated.  They have lost so much to flooding and they deserve more say in the Corps management of the water levels. The Corps should do everything within its power to prevent another devastating flood next spring. Unfortunately, this recent decision suggests the Corps is continuing forward with the same management plan that failed so badly this spring.  Things need to change now, before the people of North Dakota and other Missouri River states are faced with another devastating loss.”

This morning, Berg also joined Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven in calling for more flood protection throughout the Missouri River Basin.

Berg’s full remarks can be viewed here.  Video download is also available here.

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