Spring Rise Unwise and Unnecessary
Op-Ed
Straight Talk With Sam
Spring Rise Unwise and Unnecessary
Right now, Missouri needs more water, like an Eskimo needs more ice. That is why I am so disappointed that the Army Corp of Engineers decided to proceed with the spring rise over the bi-partisan objections of the Missouri Congressional delegation.
Although the spring rise has been stopped below Kansas City, it continues north of the city threatening farmers and small businesses in its path.
While Missourians are drying out their homes, farms and businesses after the recent floods, bureaucrats in Washington are sending more water our way. And with a forecast that calls for rain next week the timing could not be worse.
The science upon which the program is based is flawed at best. To date there is no hard scientific evidence that flooding the Missouri River helps increase the Pallid Sturgeon population. The only thing that is certain is that the increased water levels put those who earn a living off their land at risk of flooding.
The spring rise highlights the need for a river plan that balances the needs of the environment with the needs of people. We need to fix the Endangered Species Act by creating incentives for landowners to work with the government and be compensated for their conservation efforts. It is a common sense approach that will make the Endangered Species Act do what it was meant to dorecover species threatened by extinction.
We must put the safety of our families and the productivity of our farms and businesses ahead of a fish experiment.
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