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Blunt criticizes Corps of Engineers over Missouri River plan

By Bill Raack, KWMU

St. Louis – Governor Matt Blunt says the state could sue the Army Corps of Engineers over its controversial plan for the management of the Missouri River.

Blunt says the Corps' plan for two artificial spring rises, one in March and the other in May, is reckless and could flood thousands of acres of farmland in Missouri.

But Corps spokesman Paul Johnston said a two-day-long rise in the river would be comparable to a normal rainstorm.

"We think that the risk that the farmers would have under this plan is pretty much in line with the risk that they're currently living with," Johnston said.

In a statement, Blunt also says the plan could also limit the amount of water available in the event of drought.

The Corps is expected to finalize its Missouri River plan by the end of January.

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