Interstate Waters Hot Topics

Missouri River 2007-2008 Final Operating Plan New icon.
The Missouri River 2007-2008 Final Annual Operating Plan was released on December 21, 2007

Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC)
The Federal Working Group released the MRRIC Final Framework Feb. 5, 2007. PDF
MRRIC Drafting and Planning Group Members Released March 15, 2007 PDF

State of Missouri v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers All links below are PDF
On April 28, 2006, the State of Missouri filed a lawsuit against the Corps over the Master Manual revision. Missouri contends that the Corps has not followed NEPA guidelines in its attempt to incorporate criteria for a spring rise on the Missouri River. The latest filings were opposition briefs by both Missouri and the Corps, which were filed on Aug. 25, 2006. The State of Nebraska filed an amicus brief on that day as well. Final briefs were filed by the State of Missouri and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Sept. 8, 2006. Oral arguments were held Sept. 21, 2006, in U.S. District Court in Minnesota.

Judge Paul Magnuson ruled against the State of Missouri on November 3, 2006. The State of Missouri filed a notice of appeal to the Eight Circuit Court of Appeals on December 21, 2006.  Oral arguments were held Friday, October 5, 2007 in Duluth, Minnesota. 

The Eight Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court's ruling on February 8, 2008.