More officials voice concern over Corps’ plan for reservoir

MISSISSIPPI RIVER — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri are joining the chorus expressing concern over the Army Corps of Engineers plan to reduce flow from an Missouri River reservoir, potentially affecting shipping on the Mississippi River.

The Corps has said that around Nov. 23 it will reduce the flow at Gavins Point Dam in South Dakota. The reduction will mean less water from the Missouri flows into the Mississippi River. With the Mississippi already low due to the drought, there is fear barge traffic may come to a halt.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon last week encouraged the corps to reconsider. Quinn made a similar plea in a letter Wednesday. And Blunt said he wants to ensure the corps can meet the needs of both rivers.