March 19. 2004

Contact: Hugh Vickery 202-501-4633

"U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists have reviewed the Army Corps of Engineers’ final Environmental Impact Statement on its Missouri River operations. The Service has assisted and will continue to assist the Corps with the implementation of their plan in accordance with the Service’s biological opinions. The Corps’ compliance with the biological opinions will protect the river’s threatened and endangered species while enabling navigation on the river in support of the local economy. We look forward to continuing to work with the Corps to help it meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act."