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promised use of the water. The request goes against legal and historical precedence and is concerning and illogical given that a year ago, residents experienced historic flooding because of how the corps managed the upstream flow, the state's congressional members say.
• The change the corps is trying to initiate would mean four cities -- Springfield, Chamberlain, Oacoma and Mobridge -- would have to pay for water stored in the lakes created by dams, as would three community water systems -- Randall Community Water District, Aurora Brule Rural Water and B-Y Water District. Prices would range from $17.19 per acre-foot of water to $174.66 for that same amount, depending on the lake. Lewis and Clark Lake water would be the most expensive.
• The issue certainly has gained the attention of South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, who has said the state will sue if the corps goes through with its plan.
• After last year's flooding and this latest issue, the corps has reinforced its long-standing reputation of being an arrogant agency. There is evidence upon evidence of the agency's disconnect with people and the role that it should serve.
• That can't continue. It's past time for the corps to change its ways and work with river states and communities along the Missouri instead of constantly being heavy-handed.
• It's also time for congressional delegations, particularly here in South Dakota but also up and down the river, to call for a review of how the agency operates. While the river is nicknamed the Mighty Mo, the corps has no reason to threaten states and communities with its powerful fist.
(Continued on page 25)
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