Thune Says Missouri River Plan May Need Changes

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Sen. John Thune of South Dakota says
flooding along the Missouri River indicates changes may be needed
in the plan the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses to manage water
levels in the rivers' six reservoirs.
     The Corps of Engineers has said water levels in the reservoirs
had been lowered enough earlier this year to handle expected spring
runoff, but releases from the dams had to be increased to record
levels to handle torrential rainfall in Montana and other upstream
areas.
     Thune says the corps appeared to be slow in reacting to the
changing weather conditions. He says the management plan may need
to be changed to lower water levels in the reservoirs before spring
runoff occurs.
     Senators from states along the Missouri River were meeting
Wednesday in Washington.