WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) will join a field hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture in Jefferson City, MO, on Tuesday, February 28 to discuss a Corps of Engineers plan to create two artificial spring rises on the Missouri River.  The ensuing floods would not be insurable events, according to USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).

 

“We are really putting our farmers in a precarious situation, with no recourse to insurance should something go wrong,” Emerson said.  “I’ve opposed the plan to flood the river since I first heard of it, but I am appalled that the government would put our farmers along the river in this great danger and then prohibit them from collecting an insurance check for the damage.

 

“Only the federal government can find a way to put your land underwater and leave you high and dry at the same time.”

 

Representative Jerry Moran of Kansas will chair the subcommittee hearing, which Missouri Representatives Kenny Hulshof and Ike Skelton will attend along with Emerson.

 

“I really am grateful for Rep. Moran to recognize the need to hold this hearing on Missouri soil so we can publicly discuss these grievances.  I’ve opposed the plan to flood the river since I first heard of it.  It shows a blatant disregard for the people and property who live along the river.  I am appalled that the government would force these floods for the sake of nature and then prohibit farmers from using the government-underwritten multi-peril crop insurance intended to protect them from nature,” Emerson said.

WHO:          U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson
WHAT:        Field Hearing of the House Agriculture Committee
WHEN:      Tuesday, February 28, 2006 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. CST
WHERE:    Speaker’s Lounge, 3rd Floor, Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City