Blaine Luetkemeyer: “Last year, parts of the Missouri River basin faced some of the worst flooding in history. This devastation, combined…”

“Last year, parts of the Missouri River basin faced some of the worst flooding in history. This devastation, combined with our dire financial climate and the aging waterways infrastructure, means that now, more than ever, we must be deliberative, focused, and responsible with taxpayer-funded projects and studies. My amendment would prohibit funding for the duplicative Missouri River Authorized Purposes Study, also known as MRAPS. This amendment was passed by the House during both fiscal year 2011 and 2012 debates. MRAPS is a $25 million earmark study that comes on the heels of a comprehensive $35 million 17-year study completed in 2004. Some may say that we need MRAPS to examine the causes and impacts of the 2011 flooding. That simply isn't the case. First and foremost, every member of the Missouri River basin is on record as supporting flood control as the most important authorized purpose. It's something that we take very seriously. The last thing we need is another 17-year, highly litigious study to tell us that flood control is important. Thousands of Missouri River basin residents who lost their homes and businesses deserve action, not distraction. What we need to do is take legitimate steps that focus on protecting life and property and improving the safety and soundness of our flood-control system. It is also important to note that there are many commercial advantages provided by our inland waterway system.…”