RESOLUTION 2004-2

The Montana Association of Counties urges Congressional action to require setting minimum pool levels 2226 feet above mean sea level on Fort Peck Reservoir.

 
 
INCREASED WATER LEVELS ON FORT PECK RESERVOIR

 

 

 

WHEREAS, due to management for downstream barge traffic by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the water levels of Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana, have reached historic lows; and

 

WHEREAS, access to said Reservoir is severely limited; and

 

WHEREAS, the Reservoir levels have created an adverse impact on recreational uses of Fort Peck Reservoir waters; and

 

WHEREAS, declining Reservoir levels have had an adverse effect on fisheries management of Fort Peck Reservoir; and

 

WHEREAS, declining Reservoir levels are affecting the availability of water for irrigation and other agricultural uses; and

 

WHEREAS, declining Reservoir levels have exposed thousands of acres of land, resulting in an accelerated spread of noxious weeds; and

 

WHEREAS, the reduced water levels have caused a severe economic impact on all of Central and Eastern Montana in that marinas have closed, most boat ramps no longer reach the water and are unusable, recreational boaters and fisherman have limited use of the Reservoir, thereby causing an economic disaster to the service industries of Central and Eastern Montana that provide food, lodging, fuel, sporting goods, boats and marinas; and

 

WHEREAS, studies have concluded that the economic value of barge traffic is approximately $7 million annually and the economic value of recreational uses of the upstream dams is estimated to be $85 million annually; and

 

WHEREAS, the draw down of the reservoirs on the Missouri River will have an impact on the cost of electricity to customers that receive power from the Western Area Power Administration; and

 

WHEREAS, restoring the lake level to 2226 feet above mean sea level will restore most of the recreational uses and will still allow for future flood control.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the Montana Association of Counties urge the Montana Congressional Delegation to introduce and support legislation requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to increase and maintain a minimum pool elevation in Fort Peck Reservoir of 2226 feet above mean sea level.

 

SPONSOR:                                     Districts 6 & 7

 

RECOMMENDATION:                      Do Pass                       

 

PRIORITY:                                      High                                                     

 

REFERRED TO:                               MACo Public Lands Committee                                      

 

ADOPTED: