Lee Terry: “I rise in support of the King-Terry amendment. The long-term effects of reduced water flows on the Missouri River are…”

“I rise in support of the King-Terry amendment. The long-term effects of reduced water flows on the Missouri River are very serious. In particular, power plants along the river rely on an adequate supply of water to operate, mostly for cooling purposes. Nebraska's two largest providers of electric power, Omaha Public Power and Nebraska Public Power districts, are strongly opposed to any flow changes to the Corps' 2003 operating plan, and for good reason. Last year, a total of 99 percent of the public power supplied in my district was dependent upon two plants that are dependent upon the Missouri River waters. Reduced flows could cost Nebraska and Iowa power plants tens of millions of dollars and cost the constituents in my district who would have to absorb these costs. Furthermore, drastically reduced river flows could make it nearly impossible for power producers along the river to comply with Federal water laws. Adequate river flows are also necessary for other essential services along the river. Mr. Chairman, I rise today as a cosponsor of the King-Terry amendment. We offer this legislation to bring some clarity to a confusing legal situation regarding regulation of the Missouri River. This is an important issue for Nebraska and other Missouri River Basin states.”