By GRANT SCHULTE
Associated Press
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Governors from flood-stricken Missouri River states say they are united for the first time to push flood control as the top river-control priority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Executives from seven states have signed a letter to the Corps asking for a review of river management practices and recommendations to improve flood control.
The Corps is required to manage the river based on a number of priorities, including flood prevention, navigation, hydroelectricity production, wildlife and recreational needs. The federal agency reports to Congress, but hears input from state officials.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, a former U.S. Senator, says the push is different this time because states have traditionally clashed over different water uses.