Missouri River Coalition Formed

September 10, 2001

Leaders of 20 major Midwest agriculture, business, utility, industrial and navigation entities have formed the Coalition to Protect the Missouri River (CPR) to represent the diverse interests of organizations who support "responsible management" of Missouri River resources. CPR opposes any major changes in the management of the Missouri River that adversely affects congressionally authorized uses.

Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO) said, "The cooperation of such a diverse group of organizations speaks clearly to the importance of future river management decisions. CPR comes forward as a unified voice of strength for Missouri and Midwest River interests." Bond is a long-term, vocal proponent for interests of the Lower River Basin, including Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

National Corn Growers Association Director of Production and Marketing Paul Bertels agreed with Bond. "This issue must not be overlooked," he said. "It is vital to the corn growers in this area that something be done to ensure a spring-rise does not happen." NCGA is a member of the coalition.

Randy Asbury, executive director of CPR, challenged the federal government to apply common sense to the Missouri River. CPR adamantly opposes the "spring rise/split navigation" recommendation advanced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Asbury said.

"While we are opposed to a 'spring rise/split navigation' season, we support habitat restoration for endangered or threatened species so long as it does not place humans or their livelihood in jeopardy," Asbury said.

CPR believes what it believes are the legal and scientific shortcomings of the USFWS Biological Opinion, the driving force behind USFWS river management recommendations, overlooks proven species habitat restoration alternatives that can provide desired species habitat without jeopardizing people who live near and depend on the river.

The coalition is "on notice saying we are in this battle for the long haul. Everyone needs to realize we are serious about protecting our members' interests and will proceed aggressively in doing so," said Asbury. "We are grateful that we have bi-partisan support on these issues and commend our congressional delegation, state officials and others in the Basin for their untiring support on our behalf."