SJ0080 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0080 LRB097 23542 GRL 72548 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The 2012 drought has caused a significant impact on water levels on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers; and

WHEREAS, In normal years, the Missouri River contributes 60% of the Mississippi River's flow south of St. Louis; the river currently contributes 78% of the flow; and

WHEREAS, The United States Army Corps of Engineers has stopped the release of water from upper Missouri River reservoirs, which has negatively impacted water levels on the Mississippi River; and

WHEREAS, With the continuing and projected lack of adequate precipitation, in combination with reduced flow, barge traffic restrictions or even the closure of the Mississippi River channel are imminent; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois and Midwest economies depend on the efficient shipment of grain, fertilizer, and other commodities on the Mississippi River; and

WHEREAS, The President of the United States has the authority to declare an emergency; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we urge the President to take emergency action to ensure water levels do not fall below a level needed by commercial navigation on the Mississippi River; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the Administration to direct the Army Corps of Engineers to avert potential economic disaster on this vital avenue that American farmers use to get their goods into the world market; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite and fully implement alternative emergency measures to remedy this situation, including the dredging and removal of rock pinnacles in the Mississippi River south of St. Louis; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we further urge the Army Corps of Engineers to deviate from planned operations outlined in the Missouri River Master Water Control Manual and exercise its authority to address situations when circumstances justify deviation from the plan; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to President Barack Obama, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, each member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and Governor Pat Quinn.