Billy Long: “Table Rock Lake, near Branson, Missouri, is one of the premier destinations in the Ozarks, especially for my…”

“Table Rock Lake, near Branson, Missouri, is one of the premier destinations in the Ozarks, especially for my constituents in the Seventh Congressional District. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently undertaking a revision of the lake's Shoreline Management Plan and has in place a moratorium on dock permits to halt development around the lake. What this means is, if you purchased a home or land in this area with the hopes of putting in a dock, you can no longer do so. If you already have a dock and it needs to be updated, you can't even update it. I have met with the Corps and the lake community throughout this process, and the overwhelming consensus from my constituents is that their voices are not being heard on this issue that will have far- reaching effects for those living on the lake and for its economy. My amendment would extend the public comment period to ensure that those directly impacted by the shoreline plan will have a say in it. My amendment also lifts the moratorium on dock permits and extends the timeframe of the final plan to ensure that the Corps has enough time to incorporate the community's concerns into its updated plan. I am proud to work with Senator Blunt and Chairman Shuster on this commonsense issue. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Long). The amendment was agreed to.…”