Citing the potentially serious impacts on communities in the Lake of the Ozarks, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) and other members of Congress have written a letter outlining their concerns about changes to the Shoreline Management Plan Project No. 459 proposed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

“It has come to our attention that the newly modified shoreline management plan contains provisions that could result in dramatic consequences for the Lake of the Ozarks.  First, we are concerned that the language proposed in FERC’s order is overly vague and could result in the unnecessary removal of thousands of homes and other structures,” Luetkemeyer said in a letter to FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff.  “The unnecessary removal of any structure along the lake or changes to longstanding policies surrounding private property rights and lake access would result in significant economic turmoil for property owners and small businessmen and -women invested in the region.”

The letter also raises concerns that Ameren Missouri, which is responsible for the shoreline management plan, will not be given sufficient time to review and complete registration of certain buildings within the project boundary that includes 1,200 homes and 2,800 other structures along 1,100 miles of shoreline.  Luetkemeyer said that the deadline to complete the review should be extended beyond the current deadline of May 2012 to accommodate both Ameren and property owners at the Lake of the Ozarks.

“My office remains in contact with local county commissioners, Ameren and concerned Lake Area constituents about this issue. We are continuing to communicate with all interested parties on potential solutions that will benefit homeowners and business owners without jeopardizing the health of the lake,” Luetkemeyer said.    

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