By Katie Schubert
Omaha, NE – The Governors of seven Missouri River states met again Monday in Omaha with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Governors want flood control to be the Corps' top priority. Monday's meeting with Corps officials focused on next year's operating plan, and what can be done now to prevent flooding in 2012.
North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple wants the water level behind Garrison Dam near Bismarck reduced another two-and-a-half feet before winter. Dalrymple says that'll free up more storage space. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, and the Governors of South Dakota and Kansas all say they support that plan.
The Corps of Engineers plans to hold a series of public hearings starting next week in cities affected by Missouri River flooding. The first meeting is Monday in Omaha.
The Governors' group hopes to meet again next month ahead of the Corps' finalization of its 2012 operating plan.