By AP/KWMU
Washington, D.C. – The Army Corps of Engineers has begun
dropping Missouri River water levels and will be in compliance with a federal judge's order by tomorrow evening.
The corps said today it had slowed water releases to the minimum flow needed for navigation.
The agency said it will continue gradual reductions until it reaches the amount ordered by a federal judge to protect endangered and threatened bird and fish species.
There were no barge tows on the Missouri River today. The agency had warned barge operators to secure their vessels last week.
Barge and farming interests say the corps has an obligation to provide enough water for barges.