"While I understand that the details surrounding the problems are, at this point, speculative, the mere suggestion of any problem with that particular project concerns me greatly," Rehberg, a member of a House Committee with jurisdiction over the Corps, said in his letter to Grisoli.  

      Congress, in 2000, authorized $20 million for the construction of the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery, to be overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

      “[M]y $10 million request [in FY2005] was to comprise the final appropriation of funds needed.  However it now seems this may no longer be the case and, in fact, the Corps is signaling it will ask Congress to pass a supplemental authorization in order to add some 130,000 cubic yards of soil to the hatchery." 

      The project, a multi-species, warm water fish hatchery, will raise federally endangered species, such as the pallid sturgeon, and improve warm water fishing opportunities in Montana while stimulating the local economy.  The Fort Peck Fish Hatchery was scheduled for completion this year.

      "I must insist that the Corps provide an explanation to me – and an account to the taxpayers – of where all this money is going,” Rehberg said. “Regardless of the contracting situation, the Corps is ultimately responsible for the successful, on-time, on-budget completion of the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery.”

LETTER ATTACHED

# # #

May 25, 2004
Brigadier General William Grisoli
Commander, Northwestern Division
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 2870
Portland, Oregon 97208

Dear General Grisoli: 

I received a call today regarding problems with the soils at the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery construction site.  While I understand that the details surrounding the problems are, at this point, speculative, the mere suggestion of any problem with that particular project concerns me greatly.  Once completed, the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery will produce much needed fish for Montana’s sportsmen and provide much needed economic stimulus in an isolated region in Montana.  Given the current state of affairs in Northeastern Montana, the completion of this project is critical. 

As you are aware, in 2000 Congress authorized $20 million for the construction of the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery.  The project is to be a multi-species, warm water fish hatchery that will raise federally endangered species, such as the pallid sturgeon, and improve warm water fishing opportunities in Montana.  Since the project’s initial authorization, I have worked diligently with the rest of the delegation to ensure this project has been appropriately funded through the Congressional appropriations process.   

Last year our appropriation earmarks secured $8 million in final construction money; however, the project did not remain on schedule for completion in 2004.  This year, I again submitted a request for FY2005 monies to enable contractors to finish construction and ensure that the project stays on schedule for completion by spring of 2005.  Based on information, planning, and advice from your Omaha District office, my $10 million request was to comprise the final appropriation of funds needed.  However it now seems this may no longer be the case and, in fact, the Corps is signaling it will ask Congress to pass a supplemental authorization in order to add some 130,000 cubic yards of soil to the hatchery. 

While I will do whatever is necessary to ensure the Corps completes this project, even asking for whatever continued authorizations and funding are necessary, I must insist that the Corps provide an explanation to me – and an account to the taxpayers – of where all this money is going.  Regardless of the contracting situation, the Corps is ultimately responsible for the successful, on-time, on-budget completion of the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery.   

Additionally, I would like to note a disturbing pattern I’ve observed involving the Corps-run Montana projects, including the construction problems at the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, this issue at the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery, and the continued releases from the Fort Peck Dam to feed downstream interests of the Missouri River Mainstem System.  Each of these situations seems to underscore the Corps’ continued disregard for the wellbeing of Montana.  Let me suggest that perhaps Corps personnel spend less time trying to pass blame for its problems with Montana’s projects and instead be more attentive to project oversight.

As I have suggested before, I am prepared to request an investigation into the Corps activities in Montana.  My position as a Member of both the Transportation & Infrastructure and Resources Committees affords me such an opportunity.  Make no mistake that Congressional investigations into the Corps’ actions remain an option.   

I expect for the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery to be completed on-time and on-budget and without compromising any other Montana project. 

Sincerely,