Press Release
Loebsack, Boswell Renew Call for Flood Management Hearing
Congressmen Dave Loebsack and Leonard Boswell today renewed their call for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to hold a hearing to examine the flood management plans and regulations guiding the operation of key flood control infrastructure, including dams, reservoirs, levees and locks. In a letter to the Committee Chairman and Ranking Member, Loebsack and Boswell highlighted the concerns raised by a recently formed working group, including the Governors of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. The Congressmen first called for a hearing on this topic in July.
“As you are certainly aware, Iowa and the Midwest have recently seen a number of severe floods and storm related disasters ranging from 1993 to 2008, and are now just starting the recovery process from the flooding on the Missouri River,” the Congressman wrote. “Through this hearing, we hope to be able to examine the regulatory and statutory environment the Army Corps works within to ensure they have the ability, resources, and can receive and accept a stronger level of input from local, state, or federal officials to ensure the management and operation of critical flood control infrastructure stays up to date and flexible in an evolving environment.” The purpose of the hearing would be to discuss the laws and regulations governing the development or altering of operation manuals and plans, maintenance, and use of dams, reservoirs, levees and locks under Army Corps jurisdiction in addition to budgetary issues that might affect effective operation and maintenance of flood control infrastructure. The hearing would also address other related issues such as changes in weather, hydrology, or land use or other issues or factors are affecting the operation of these structures for their flood control purposes. As a result of the Floods of 2008 and ongoing flooding issues, Congressmen Loebsack and Boswell also urged President Obama last year to include a request in his Fiscal Year 2012 Budget for the Army Corps to perform scientific studies of the management plans for the Army Corps flood-control reservoirs in Iowa. Loebsack has also held Flood Control Forums with the Army Corps and the public to address management issues at Iowa’s reservoirs. Click here to view a copy of the letter. |
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