NCGA Highlights Economic Uses for Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (11-1-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is encouraging proper economic management as a priority for the Missouri River.
 
In comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NCGA emphasized that threatened and endangered species can be protected and their habitats enhanced without undermining the economic foundation of the basin.
 
“Growers recognize the value of recreational and environmental uses but the economic uses of the river such as power generation, flood control for agricultural land, navigation and irrigation should be continued as a priority for the Corps of Engineers’ management framework,” said Ken McCauley, NCGA president. McCauley’s comments were part of NCGA’s response to the Proposed Framework for establishing the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC).
 
NCGA also stressed that limiting participation at the outset precludes the inclusiveness and transparency in the MRRIC process and may cause contention among stakeholders. 
 
Additionally, NCGA is actively engaged on other management aspects of the Missouri River. In early October, the Missouri River was shut down to commercial navigation due to low water levels caused by drought conditions. According to McCauley, the shutdown is having a significant impact on the transport of recently harvested crops.
 
To read the comments click here.