U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today announced that he is joining a bipartisan group of tencolleagues from Missouri and Kansas to serve on a five state congressional working group that will provide lower basin river communities a united voice when it comes to management of the Missouri River.

Luetkemeyer said Missouri U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver, Jo Ann Emerson, Todd Akin, Lacy Clay, Sam Graves, Russ Carnahan, Vicky Hartzler and Billy Long along with Kansas U.S. Reps. Lynn Jenkins and Kevin Yoder have agreed to serve on the panel created by U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem of South Dakota.

“I am looking forward to working with members from throughout the Missouri River basin to represent the opinions of and fight for the needs of individuals living in the lower basin. While the upper and lower basins have historically had different management philosophies, we must try to work together to ensure that the best policies affecting the Missouri River are put into place,” Luetkemeyer said. “At the same time, we intend to continue the fight to ensure that those living in the lower basin have the best available flood control technology, appropriate and fair access to water, and the ability to move their agricultural and manufactured goods to domestic and international markets.”

The House Missouri River working group will also work with their colleagues to highlight the gross disparity between funding for endangered species and ecosystem restoration, and funding for operations and maintenance of flood control systems.

Following are comments from some of those joining Luetkemeyer on the working group:

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-8): “Missouri River issues are bigger than one community, one county, one congressional district, or even one state.  I am very glad to be part of a working group which recognizes the challenges of flood protection and the importance of lives and livelihoods along the Missouri River.”

Rep. Lacy Clay (MO-1): “I welcome this bipartisan effort to ensure maximum flood control and navigation while still preserving and protecting unique wetlands and sensitive habitats.”

Rep. Sam Graves, (MO-6): “My district has seen first-hand the need for a new plan for the Missouri River. It’s my hope that this working group can put regional interests aside and find common ground. Many of my constituents are suffering through a severe and prolonged flood caused by our current management plan. Their voices must be heard in the discussion of any new plan.”

Rep. Todd Akin (MO-2): “I look forward to serving alongside my colleagues within this working group because I believe that the interests of Missouri citizens must be protected. I hope this working group will be productive, but I will continue to strongly advocate for the interests of those along the lower Missouri River.”

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (MO-4): “I look forward to working with other representatives of the people to ensure that management of the Missouri River gives priority status to flood control, navigation, and agriculture concerns.”

Rep. Billy Long (MO-7): “The Missouri River is an important economic link that affects all of Missouri, not just the parts of the state that it runs through. I look forward to working with my fellow Midwesterners to find a solution that will better reflect the needs of both the upper and lower basins.”

Rep. Russ Carnahan (MO-3):“I’m honored to work alongside my colleagues to fight for communities in the Missouri River Basin.  In the wake of severe storms this spring and summer, we need to work together to make sure we are prepared for future flooding emergencies to protect families and businesses.”

Rep. Lynn Jenkins (KS-2): “While Mother Nature and historic snowmelt are undoubtedly at work, the current flooding along the Missouri River Basin is also a direct result of the water management strategies implemented in this region.  I look forward to working with my colleagues from Kansas and Missouri to speak out about the true impact of these flood waters and the importance of updating our river management strategies to prevent future devastating floods.”

###