U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is watching closely to ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers follows through on its plans this month to regularly relay flood control information to her home state.
“Iowans should have peace of mind knowing the Army Corps is not only hearing their needs, but prioritizing them,” Sen. Ernst said on Tuesday. “And while I’m glad to see the Corps pledge to take action to improve its communication with local levee sponsors, there’s more work to be done.”
In early May the senator urged the Corps to address shortcomings in their communications. Later that month, the Corps responded to her letter and outlined a pledge to improve communications and provide regular updates starting in June throughout the duration of the 2019 flood season to levee sponsors and residents.
“I’m fighting to ensure the Corps puts flood control and Iowa families and communities first and gives our farmers and local experts a seat at the table when it comes to their decision-making,” said Sen. Ernst.
The senator also is cosponsoring two related bills, the Missouri River Flood Control Prioritization Act, S. 1571, and the Army Corps of Engineers Flood Control Civilian Advisory Council Act, S. 1565.
If enacted, S. 1571 would remove fish and wildlife as an authorized purpose of the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System and would make flood control the highest priority of authorized purposes of the system, according to the bill’s text.
Meanwhile, S. 1565 would create a new civilian advisory council with two members from each state along the Missouri River to advise the Corps on river management, according to a summary provided by Sen. Ernst’s office.