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TRANSCRIPT
7 AD-A141 843 A MERAMEC CHRONOLO0 OF THE CORPS 0F ENGINEERS AND I/;
ISTRI S LOUISMO d FSAMBEMAY 84
UNCC ASSiFE / 32 N
I '
liill 36 '"=°111.2'-
NATION/t BUR LA OF STANDARDO 1963 A
tI l __ _ _ _
II,
I
A MERAMEC CHRONOLOGY
00 of the
Corps of Engineers
andIMissourits Meramec Basin
1880 to 1983
EL/ ECSDDepartment of the Army
St. Louis District, Corps of Engineers
- - 84 06 04 083
V
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE (Whme Data Enerdo
READ INSTRUCTIONSREPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE BEFORE COMPLETING FORMI. REPORT NUMBER 12. GVT ACCESSION NO, 3. RECIPIENT'S CATALOG NUMBER
4. TITLE (and Subtitle) S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED
A Meramec Chronology of theCorps of Engineers and Missouri'sMeramec Basin G PERFORMING ORG. REPORT NUMBER
7. AUTHOR(o) 6. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER(O)
James F. Gamble DACW43-83-M-2409
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT, PROJECT. TASKU.S. Army Engineer District, St. Louis AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS
210 Tucker Blvd., NorthSt. Louis, Missouri 63101
It. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE
May 198413. NUMBER OF PAGES
124
14. MONITORING AGENCY NAME & ADDRESS(f ditrent from Controllnd Office) IS. SECURITY CLASS. (of thia report)
UN CLASS IFI ED
IS&. DECL ASSI FIC AT ON/DOWNGRADINGSCHEDULE
16. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT (of this Report)
Approved for release; distribution unlimited.
17. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT (of the abstract entered in Block 20, It different from Report)
1S. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
I. KEY WORDS (Collnue an reverse side It neceesry and Identify by block number)
IV T'AIC? ( em n,.ve ai. N nowie.emy, Idalifly by block mnmb.*)'./A chronology of significant events (natural and man made) involving the
Meramec River Basin with specific reference to events involving the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers. Data sources include two major St. Louis, MissouriNewspapers, U.S. Army Engineer District, St. Louis, project files and aminimum of information from other sources. The time frame covered is fromthe 1880's to 1983.
DO , " 103 am-iou @V I NOV 455 68LETESECUImTY CLAS8IFICATION OF THIS PAGE (IWm Data E at er)
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OP THIS PAGE(Ohin Dama Sm Ii
SECUITY CLAWSFICATION OF THIS PASU(WMks Dae Satroo
f
V
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMYST. LIllS S rUICT. ll F IlMflllsm
210 TUCKER BOULEVARD, NORTHIT. Lill& aIIIUl6l ilII
Introduction
The St. Louis District of the United States Army Corps of Engineers had
investigated the Meramec River for navigation, flood control, hydropower and
other purposes several times prior to 1938 with negative results. In 1938,
Congress authorized two reservoirs in the Meramec River Basin for flood
control and navigation; subsequently, a comprehensive Basin Study, completed
in 1964, recommended additional reservoirs and other project features.
The purpose of this chronology is to give a historical perspective of
Corps of Engineers' activities in the Meramec River Basin to new DistrictEngineers and other management personnel.
To prepare this report, the St. Louis District sought a knowledgeable
individual who was familiar with the Meramec River Basin and its many
activities. Mr. James F. Gamble, Attorney at law, and former Chief Executive
of the Meramec River Basin Association, was contracted with to prepare the
cbronology using as much information available to the general public aspossible.
Chief, Engineering DivisionSt. Louis District
Accesson_ Corps of EngineersFor May 1984
NTTS oRA&rDTIc TA4BUzIsnuouced
JsIficatlo
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword
1880 Up To 19 0sEarly Meramec Investigation
The 1940sThe Field Committee, The Corps And The Public 4
The 19503Nature And The MBC Izmtigate Action 10
1960 to 1963Mr. Cannon Says Okay 19
1964 to 1969The ProJect Develommit Yews 32
The 1970sThe Tug-Of-War Years 43
1980 To 1983What To Do Now? 103
II
l e
Et)REWORD
This account of the Corps and the Meramec is a chronology report,not an out-and-out history, but a brief ing pager for new St. LouisDistrict management personnel, and not inclusive of all that has gone on.Thus, it is a guide to the past for a general understanding, at least, ofwhat has happened over the years as reflected by some of the manysignificant natural events, situations and actions -- in order ofoccurrence. The Meramec Basin has had a long continuity of variedactivity, and episodic occurrences in the Basin's water programming is theoverall line that is followred here.
The report is not a judgment or justification piece. Neither isit intended to demean anyone or anything. Through the Use of availableand reliable information, it is a presentation of what has gone on in thepast. The basic premise in securing information was to Use as much aspossible of what is available to the general public, in published reports,newspapers, and Congressional documnents - realizing also that newspaperaccounts can sometimes be inaccurate. Personal interviews or sources wereheld to a minimum and used only when other sources were unavailable orlacking.
This chronology is, of course, a story about the Meramec River asit relates to the responsibilities of the Corps. However, as with anygoverrnent agency, there are-legislative bodies, other agencies, AND thepublic in general with its groups and individuals rounding out thechronology in a relationship of who did what, why, where, and/or when.
The format for the chronology is:
TheDat refers to a publication date, a letter date, an authorizationdate, a meeting date, etc. - depending on the source of the sumary note.
The Source, as indicated by the Date reference above, is an authentic andreliable origin of information. If there is no Source information on adate line, the source of the note is the same as the previous one.
~mrx note consists of the subject and the action - or meaning-or explanation - or, for instance, a list of Meramec project facts. Ifthere is no specif ic answer in the note on the subject, about why or whatfor - the entry of the note means that the action is quite apparent or ismeant just to show further and continued effort,, controversy or problems.In other words, a continuing action can often speak for itself.
With news clips particularly, notes are based mostly on the main point ofthe article - apart from the frequent and considerable amount ofbackground information.
Headlines are often a story by themselves. Whatever might follow aheadline, or with no headline, can be a condensed description of the pointof the article, or if the text is in quotation marks, it is exact languageof the article - whether all of the article or just part of it.
For the reading of this chronology by a newcomer to the area, thetowns mentioned are in the Basin or closely connected to it.
County court judges are referred to a few times. They areadninistrative, not judicial officials, in Missouri. With the exceptionof St. Louis County, the administration of each of the Basin counties ishandled through a county court and its three judges.
Also for those new to Missouri and the Meramec Basin, the entireBasin area is 3,980 square miles in extent, with the Big River drainagebeing 955 square miles and the Bourbeuse River, 808.
While the principal tributaries to the Meramec River are the Bigand the Bourbeuse, anyone who needs to have an understanding of the Basinstory must know of two other Meramec River tributaries: the Huzzah andCourtois (pronounced "Who-zaw" and "Coataway"). These two uppertributaries of the main stream are highly prized canoe waters.
Along with a strip of river breaks on both sides of the MissouriRiver - just north of the Meramec Basin -- the Basin constitutes thenortheast "corner" of the Ozarks. AND - there are no Ozark Mountains.Apart from some mountains in the Arkansas Ozarks, there is one mountainrange in a small part of the Missouri Ozarks - the St. Francois Mountainsin the southeast area of the Basin and extending somewhat south of there.The formal name of the Ozarks is Just that -- or the Ozark Plateau, interms of what it was when the ocean left it to be eroded into hills. Themountains were in existence before the Ozarks and are still there.
In any case, with the mountains or hills surrounding the Ozarkstreams, the reader will find that the combination can be the source ofall kinds of action in the Meramec Basin - and elsewhere.
1880 UP TO 1940s
EARLY MERAMEC INVESTIGATION
f
1880 to 194Os
Source
1 Dec House Document 686 First Meramec study - re naviga-1880 71st Congress - 3rd Session tion possibilities. "The report
12/16/1930 stated that the Meramec River wasnot navigable in fact and notsusceptible to such improvementas would adapt it to the commerceof the surrounding country."
1906 to H.D. 686 Development of power "studied at1927 various times by local inter-
ests." Unfavorable.
Aug 1915 H.D. 686 "... the maximum known flood(1915) was not covered except asto date and stage of highestwater."
Meramec Park Reservoir "Heaviest rain occurred duringDesign Memo #1 the period 18-20 August...Hydrology and Hydraulic The peak stage at Eureka wasAnalysis (2/21/66) equivalent to 40.2 feet."
23 Aug 15 Globe-emocrat - Photo Headlines: "12 Dead in Meramecof front page Flood"; "2000 Homeless in Valley
Park"; "Horror of Scene on Mera-mec Described by an Eyewitness"
6 Oct 21 H.D. 686 Start by District of a continuousrecord of high and low stages.Pr= iaJl "a broken record ofhigh stages since 1844."
1di
1880 to 19Os
Source Summary
2 Oct 24 H.D. 686 Re inquiry as to the navigabilityof the Meramec, the DistrictEngineer reported to the Chiefof Engineers that "it is a rea-sonable conclusion from thisstudy that the Meramec is a navi-gable stream at least as far asthe mouth of Crooked Creek, Mile182, froa the Mississippi."
Apr 1927 H.D. 686 "... the maximun recordedflood of 1927. .. "
Meramec Park Reservoir . produced by excessiveDesign Memo #1 rainfall over the entire water-
shed during a storm which oc-curred on 30 and 31 March 1927...The peak stage at Eureka was29.47 feet...
Jan 1929 H.D. 686 "The lower reaches of the riverbelow Pacific (Mile 49) are usedlargely for recreation.The Big River is used likewiseand so is the Bourbeuse...In order to protect the riverfor proper recreational use,local interests are (1/29)seeking to have the State passnecessary legislation . .
1 Apr 29 Report by District Engineer The first Mermec multipleto Chief of Engineers (re- purpose study. ". . . the bestprinted as House Document practicable coordinated plan" -686, 71st Congress - 3rd single earth dam at Mile 63.4 onSession, 12/16/30. Titled Meramec; but benefits not com-"Mermec River, Missouri") mensurate with costs. ".
recommends no detailed survey orproject study . . . at thistime."
2
t
1880 to l4Os
DAte Sgrc Summnary
1936 Flood Control Act of 1936 Authorized construction of reser-voirs on tributary streams forcontrolling Mississippi 'verfloods.
28 Jun 38 Flood Control Act of A general comprehensi, )lan was6/28/38 developed by the Corp., c the
upper Mississippi Rivei sinwhich included a dam on the Mera-mec River and one on the Bour-beuse River.
?F
y.1
THE 1940s
THE FIELD COMMITTEE, THE CORPS AND THE-PUBLIC
1940s
Date Sourc Sunmrx
Dec 1942 Meramec Park Reservoir F12o: "... unusually heavyDesign Memo #1 amounts of snow fell. A warmingHydraulic and Hydrology trend. . . in the latter part ofAnalysis (2/21/66) the month, and during. . . 26-29
December heavy rainfall...average over the basin. . . 4.93inches. . . peak stage at Eureka. . . 31.78."
Dec 1942 Summary Report of the Creation of a field committeeMeramec Cooperative through the National ResourcesInvestigation Field Planning Board. For doing aCommittee - cooperative report through:A PROGRAM FOR THE MERAMECRIVER BASIN Federal Aaencies
August 1949 U.S. Departments of Agriculture,Interior and War, and the FederalPower Commission
Missouri State AgenciesState Planning Board, Conserva-tion Commission, Board of Health,College of Agriculture, Depart-ment of Resources and Development(later changed to state division)
W. W. Homer - St. Louis-consulting engineer.
May, Jun, Summary Report Field Committee coordinationOct 1943 meetings.
Apr 1944 Summary Report Field Committee coordinationmeeting.
4
1940s
SourceSmmr1,9q. 1q47. 1 8Jan 1945 Summary Report Investigations of agencies near-
ing completion. Work on reportbegun.
24 Feb 45 District file on public Meeting at Ware re proposedmeetings reservoir on Big River. Reported
by the Chief of the District'sengineering division. Approxi-mately 150 people present, mostlylocal farmers against the dam.
5 Apr 45 Unidentified clipping - Rescue of couple from Meramecapparently Post or Globe flood in south St. Louis County.District file
18 Apr 45 Unidentified clipping - Headline: "40 Saved From Meramecapparently Post or Globe Flood" (in Valley Park area)District file
Jun 1945 Meramec Park Reservoir Food: , storm. . . 5-11Design Memo #1 June. . . The 5 month period
preceding. . . one of the wettestin history. The average rainfallover the watershed was 6.12inches. . . peak stage at Eurekawas 36.94 feet."
10-12 Jun Unidentified clippings - Worst Meramec flood predicted for1945 apparently Post or Globe last 30 years.
District file75 families evacuated by RedCross at Pacific.
Kirkwood shut off its munciipulMeramec water plant to avoid pol-lution; connected its system toSt. Louis County Water lines.
5
SourceSmmr12 Jun 45 Globe-Democrat photo Headline: "The Merry Meramec
spread Goes on Its Wildest Rampage in30 Years" (in Valley Park area)
Jul and District file: Petitions 7/10 and 8/4 petitions fromAug 1945 1,502 supporters of the three
dam sites - most of them withdownstream interests.
10 Sep 45 District file on public Minutes of Union Chamber of Com-meetings merce, which sponsored a local
meeting. Fr. Hildner elected aschairman. The Chief of the Dis-trict's engineering division wasa principal speaker. Questionsof audience reflected anti-damattitude.
Apr 1947 Meramec Park Reservoir Flood: "._storm. . . 23-25Design Memo #1 April. . . average rainfall above
Eureka. . . 3.28 inches. . peakstage... Eureka... 31.15."
Feb 1945 District file of letters to 68 letters - mostly opposing oneto Corps, members of Congress or another or all three of theMar 1948 or President proposed d=s.
Mar 1945 District file on discussions Broad range of 106 landownersto with landowners over the Basin who came toJun 19148 District office to discuss the
proposed dams. Mostlyfavorable.
6
f
19W9
Jul 1948 Recommendations (report) of "The basis for this report isMissouri Division of Re- r, and recreationsources and Development on alone. . . based on utilizationRecreational Development of of the streams in their presentthe Meramec River Basin natural state and on 75 stable
level lakes of an average sizeof 58.45 acres."
Jun 1949 Summry Report Additional studies and revisionsof the committee's report com-pleted.
Aug 1949 Summary Report Committee's report was published.It approved St. Louis District' srecommendation of three reser-voirs - above Union on theBourbeuse, near Sullivan on theMeramec and above Cedar Hill onthe Big. The plan was based onmultiple purpose use.
Sep 1949 Informational brochure: Explanation by the District ofMULTIPLE PURPOSE RESERVOIRS the Basin program and prospec-hERA. EC BASIN tive benefits - with maps and
graphs.
12 Nov 49 District file: Resolutions Quote from resolution adopted atthe annual meeting in Union,Missouri of the 3,200-mamberFranldin County Farmer's Asso-ciation: "We firmly oppose thepresent plans for constructingthe high dans. ..
14 Nov 49 Public hearings Notice of public hearings anderumec River, Missouri distribution of informational
brochure by the District Engi-neer. Hearings scheduled for12/13-16/49.
7
1 940
Dec 1949 District file of letters Opposing construction of dams.written by school childrenin Franklin County
District file of many Numerous news articles, edito-newspaper clippings rials and letters to the editor.
Largely reflecting opposition,but proponents in evidence aswell.
8 Dee 49 Globe-Democrat Against dam at Cedar Hill.Letter to editor
10 Dec 49 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Dam on Big RiverNews story Opposed by Vote in State Senate"
11 Dec 49 Post-Dispatch Headline in news story: "Valueof Meramec Basin Dams Issue atHearings."
Column by Post-Dispatch sportseditor re low price for riverbottom land bought by Uncle Sam.
Globe-Democrat Quoting District's spokesman onNews story purposes and benefits; Msgr.
George Hildner quoted onobjections.
12 Dec 49 District file Missouri Senate Resolution No.122 opposing oonstruction of
Cedar Hill dam.
13,14,15, Public hearings Public hearings in Union,16 Dec 49 Merumec River, Missouri Sullivan, Hillsboro, and St.
Louis. 2,086 in attendance.Speakers: 33 for, 76 apinst;Written statmets: 97 for,691 apanst; Petitions: 1,496for, 2,978 ainst.
I 8
19Os
14 Dec 49 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Engineer Group Op-News story re hearing at poses Plan for $18,000,000Sullivan this date Meramec Dam." Ners story mostlyabout opposition of several St.Louis engineers, including W. W.
Homer, chairman of the MeramecCooperative Field Committee.
23 Dec 49 District file Letter from Governor Smith toChief of Engineers - againstthe proposed dams.
i9
THE 19503
MATURE AND THE MBC INSTIGATE ACTION
19503
Source amm=Jan 1950 Meramec Park Reservoir ood: . . . extremely mild
Design Memo #1 and wet month . . . 1-6 January,rainfall in the basin ranged from3.10 inches to 4.98 inches...peak stage at Eureka was 33.01."
6-7 Jan Globe-Democrat Missouri and Uiinois flood1950 Post-Dispatch stories with photos near Kirk-
News stories wood, Valley Park and Fenton.Meramec expected to be highestsince 1945. Many rescued.
12 Jan 50 Correspondence in District Subject: Subproject, Meranecfile frm Chief of River Reservoir, Upper Mi~ssi-Engineers sippi River Basin, Missouri (new
-work).
"No additional work is to beperformed or funds expended underthis subproject."
1952 - M e Park Reservoir f. . . the most1957 Design Mmo #1 severe period for duration, as
well as acoLuulated deficiency,was that of 1952-1955. With onlya one or two month break, thisdrougt continued until January1957. Flows at Eureka for this. . . period were only 39 percentof normal for a period of 1,737days."
10
1950s
Jun-Jul Meramec Park Reservoir ood- . . 26 June, a1957 Design Memo #1 series of showers. . . over the
Meramec Basin. . . until 2 JulyS. . extremely heavy rainfall inthe lower end of the basin on IJuly. . . flood was principallya downstream flood. . . peakstage at Eureka was 35.77."
Dec 1957 Active member of MC John F. Hallett, chairman of aand MBA St. Louis Chamber of Comerce
coittee (essentially pro-dan),and Edward Beecher (anti-damleader of Kirlkwood, Missouri),agreed on their choice of anexecutive for a pro-anti prospec-tive Meramec study organization.
Jan-Jun Active member of MBC Mr. Hallett Worked on contacting1958 and MBA individuals in metropolitan St.
Louis and the Meramec Basin retheir interest and participationin a study organization.
Apr 1958 teramec Park Lake Mr. Hallett contacted DistrictChronology of 11/2/73 Engineer re updating Corps' 1949District file Merumec plan.
Jun 1958 Active mber of MBC Mermec Basin Corporation inoor-and MBA porated as a not-for-profit asso-
ciation. Purpose: To conduct aprogram of research on the re-sources of the Meramec Basin andadjacent areas.
19 Jun 58 Globe-Democrat Headline: wMeramec Basin GroupNews story Swings into Action"
11
1950s
19 Jun 58 "The newly-formed Meramec Basin(cont.) Association went into action yes-
terday to promote the overalldevelopment of the Meramec Riverbasin, after receiving its char-ter as a non-profit corporation."
1 Jul 58 Active member of MBC MBC representatives met with theand MBA governor, James T. Blair, for
discussion on Meramec action.
MBC established its full-timeexecutive office - temporarilyin downtown St. Louis.
2 Jul 58 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Meramec Basin RestudyPost-Dispatch to Be Sought by Blair"
Conference witT the governor onJuly 1, requested by the MeramecBasin Corporation. He said hewould try to arrange a confer-ence within two weeks with theDistrict Engineer.
3 Jul 58 Post-Dispatch "... the important thing nowEditorial is, whatever the differences, to
get going on these three damswhich should be the central partof any plan. To that desirableend Gov. Blair may well directhis efforts."
5 Jul 58 Globe-Democrat "Now Gov. Blair will get thisEditorial vast project off dead-center by
asking the Engineers if they willre-study their plan to figure outone more acceptable in Missouri.
12
... .I . . - " t ... .. .
19503
PUsorce Summary
14 Jul 58 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Blair Taking UpNews story Meramec Basin Plan with Army"
Meeting of the governor andDistrict Engineer.
Meramec Park Lake Letter from Blair to District:Chronology of 11/2/73 . I request that you takeDistrict file such action as is necessary and
appropriate to bring up-to-dateyour previous report dated August1949. . . in order that I and themembers of my staff may reviewthe report in the light of thepresent day situation."
15 Jul 58 Globe-Democrat Headlines: "Blair Will EndNews story Stalemate on Meramec Basin
Planning"
Post-Dispatch "Army Engineer Favors RestudyNews story of Deferred Meramec Plan"
16 Jul 58 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Army Engineers ClearNews story Way for Meramec Study"
District Engineer said he reccu-mended that the project bechanged from a "deferred" to"active" status.
Post-Dispatch "Gov. Blair has stuck one toeEditorial into the Merauec River and we
hope he found the water so finethat next time he will dive inhead-first."
ii
19503
Source Summar
17 Jul 58 Globe-Democrat "Gov. Blair, in effect, hasEditorial cleared the path for a new
middle-of-the-road approach tothe problems and opportunitiesthat the Meramec presents toMissouri. That is the kind ofapproach the new Meramec BasinCorporation is plugging for."
18 Jul 58 Active member of MBC MBC treasurer wrote Congressmanand MBA Cannon re need for appropriation
to Corps per governor's requestfor update of Meramec report.
21 Jul 58 Active member of MBC A courteous acknowledgement fromand MBA Cannon of treasurer's letter, but
reflecting opposition correspon-dence received by Cannon.
1 Aug 58 Active member o MBC MBC moved its executive office toand MBA permanent quarters in Kirkwood.
6 Aug 58 Active member of MBC MBC president, a constituent andand MBA supporter of Cannon, wrote him
asking for funding a furtherstudy of the Mermec problem.Result: Similar to the treasur-er's; no action.
Sep 1958 Active member of MBC Edward L. Ullman began to work atand MBA Washington University as the
director for organizing an inde-pendent "Program of WaterDevelopment Proposals," underthe auspices of the universityand financially sponsored by MBC.The effort was called the "Hera-mec Basin Research Project."
14
1 950s
Data SourceSmmr
15 Sep 58 Active member of NBC Edward Beecher told NBC that heand MBA and his anti-dam associates would
not continue to support the NBCcoalition effort unless it tookon the responsibility of gettingthe Missouri legislature to passa conservancy district enablingact. Otherwise, they would fightthe NBC effort.
Because of the type of IRS exemnp-tion the NBC had, it could notlobby on legislation. As a re-sult, the NBC executive volun-teered to head the effort for aproposed conservancy bl, assiuethe expenses, and do the draftingof the bill. He started on thatimmnediately.
214 Sep 58 Active member of NBC Funeral service for W. W. Horner.and MBA
Sep, Oct Active member of NBC NBC executive spending a largeNov, Dec and NBA part of his time on the personal1958 handling of key contacts re the
conservancy district bill anddrafting the same; also gettingthe NBC organized.
Jan, Feb Active mnember of NBC Organizing a statewide citizens1959 and NBA committee by the state Chamber of
Coimerce for supporting the con-servancy district bill and repre-senting a niuber of natural re-source organizations, led by theConservation Federation ofMissouri.
1950s
23 Mar 59 Active member of MBC Letter to Rep. Cannon requestingand MBA funds for Corps for a restudy -
from the MBC board secretary,whose family was a long-timesupporter of Mr. Cannon.
25 Mar 59 Active member of MBC A similar request by letter fromand MBA the MBC president to Cannon.
27 Mar 59 Active member of MBC A reply to the president fromand MBA Cannon - quite friendly but in-
cluding "if the people of theMeramec Valley want flood con-trol, their remedy is throughwatershed conservation suppliedgratis by the Department ofAgriculture."
7 Apr 59 Active member Qf MBC A letter to Cannon from the MBCand MBA treasurer asking if he could re-
quest the House committee forfunding an updated Meramecreport.
22 Apr 59 Active member of MBC The conservancy district bill wasand MBA passed by the Missouri Senate and
sent to the House.
31 May 59 Active member of MBC On the closing day of the 1959and MBA session, the Missouri House
passed the conservancy districtenabling act with five amend-ments and a large vote for it -112 to 5. The bill was returnedto the Senate for action on theamendments and passed unani-mously. (The governor signed itinto law several weeks later.)
16
7111 950s;
'Qrr
4 Aug 59 Active member of MBC A very active MBC member wrote aand MBA long personal and private factual
letter to Rep. Cannon. The let-ter writer emphasized a DIM-n only - and onewhich was drawing no conclusionsahea as to the use ofMeranec waters.
5 Aug 59 Active member of MBC Mr. Cannon replied immediatelyand MBA and said the writer had pre-
sented one of the best analysesthat had come to his attention.He said he hoped to see thewriter when he returned to Mis-souri and would appreciate anyfurther suggestions.
16 Oct 59 Active member of MBC As a result of the exchange ofand MBA letters by the MBC member and
Cannon in August, a visit toCannon was made at his home inElsberry - by the MBC executiveand the Washington UniversityMeramec research project direc-tor.
Mr. Cannon was thoroughlybriefed on the MBC and Washing-ton University purposes, whichwere referred to as calling foran entirely new look based onpresent-day needs, with partici-pation by all pertinent agencies,and the Corps doing a review orrestudy instead of an updatingof the former plan. Mr. Cannonsaid, "We agree thoroughly."
A letter to Cannon was written10/19 confirming the facts givento him.
17
1 950a
17 Nov 59 Active member of MBC The MBC executive and theand MBA treasurer visited Cannon at his
home - for his getting ac-quainted with the treasurer.Result: Cannon said that theMBC should talk with him andstaff in Washington after thefirst of the year.
18
1960 TO 1963
MR.. CANNON SAYS OKAY
1960 to 1963
Data Suure n27-28 Jan Active member of MBC MBC executive and the treasurer,1960 and MBA with Washington University Mera-
mec research director, went toWashington as suggested by Cannonin 11/17/59 meeting at his home.They spent most of their timewith Cannon's staff man on theAppropriations Comnittee, CarsonW. Culp - giving him a full pic-ture of the MBC action and re-lated matters.
11 Mar 60 Active member of MBC Mr. Cannon asked the chairman ofand MBA the House Committee on Public
Works to prepare a resolutionrequesting the Corps to reviewprevious reports on the Mermec,with the resolution to include aprovision that the Corps cooper-ate with other federal agencies,take the MBC plans into accountand coordinte with them.
28-31 Mar Active member of MBC MBC executive in Washington, D.C.1960 and MBA -" meeting with Mr. Culp.
6 Apr 60 Mermee Park Lake The Public Works Comittee metChronology of 11/2/73 this date and passed the reaolu-District file tion as requested by Mr. Cannon.
8 Apr 60 Globe-Democrat Headlines: "Way Cleared forNews story Mermec Basin Study"; "Army
Changes Tactics, Cannon SwitchesStand"
"A House committee has authorizeda broad new survey by the AmyCorps of En s...
19
1960 to 1963
Date Source s r
8 Apr 60 "Mr. Cannon, a foe of the project(cont.) in the past, hailed the commit-
tee's action as 'clearing the wayfor a sound over-all study of thebasin by interested agencies ofthe government in cooperationwith the Meramec Basin Corpora-tion.'"
9 Apr 60 Globe-Democrat Praised Mr. Cannon.Editorial
10 Apr 60 Post-Dispatch ". . . Apparently what broke theEditorial log-jan was an understanding all
around that much more than floodcontrol planning is required forthe eramec..
20 May 60 House of Representatives The Committee on AppropriationsPublic Works Appropriations included in the bill $50,000 forBill, 1961 the review on the Meramec by the
Corps.
6-7 Jul Active member of MBC Arthur E. Morgan in town confer-1960 and MBA ring with Washington University
director of Mermec researchproject at the request of Mr.Cannon, who felt that an impar-tial expert would help as an ad-visor in shaping the university'sstudy. Morgan, an engineer, wasthe first chairman of the Tennes-see Valley Authority and notedworldwide as an expert on watercontrol.
Oct 1960 Action by Rep. Cannon With the appropriated Merumecin April money now available, the District
Engineer was able to start theBasin study and began to meet theresolution provision of gettingother federal agencies intocooperative action.
20
1960 to 1963
Source
31 Oct 60 Active member of MBC Statement by Clarence Cannon thatand MBA in one of the last bills passed
by Congress there was an appro-priation for $50,000 for theMeramec Basin.
23 Feb 61 National Archives President Kennedy presented aspecial message to Congress onnatural resources which includedthe need for coordinated and com-prehensive planning, multiplepurposes in federal projects, anddevelopment of full recreationpotential at reservoir sites.
7 Apr 61 Record of public hearing Hearing by Corps at St. Clair forDistrict file the purpose of getting views from
public and private organizationsand individuals with respect tomaking the authorized study. 878in attendance, showing a broaddiversity of opinions through theapproximately 60 who spoke.
June 1961 Active member of MBC Passage by Missouri legislatureand MBA of a bill for a state Water Re-
sources Board. Was strongly sup-ported and participated in by the!MBC executive, as a member of theConservation Federation of Mis-souri.
Key wording: "develop a plan fora gradual, long range, comprehen-sive state-wide program for theconservation, development,management and use of the waterresources of the state..
1960 to 1963
Pa&Source Smr
25 Sep 61 District file Corps requested participation ofthe Department of Agriculture inthe Basin study, but no immediateaction was instituted by thedepartment.
17 Nov 61 Active member of MBC At the District office, one ofand MBA the first showings of the MBC
30-minute professional movie,"The Question of the Meremec."
6 Dec 61 Letter from Gov. Dalton to Appointment by governor of seventhe District Engineer state officials to serve as the
Governor's Advisory Committee on"the present re-survey of theMeranec Basin."
22 Dec 61 Active member of MBC MBC executive and the treasurerand MBA met with Gov. Dalton and got his
approval of MBC creating a Mera-mec Cooperative Planning Commit-tee made up of state agencies,federal agencies and a represen-tative from each of the 11 prin-cipal counties in the Basin, Cityof St. Louis and the MBC. TheMBC executive as chairman and arepresentative of the governor asvice chairman.
Purpose: To assist In producingas comprehensive and specific aplan as practical for the main-tenance and sound development ofthe Meramec Basin.
24 Jan 62 Active member of MBC Meeting in Jefferson City withand MBA state agencies for discussion on
creating the cooperativecommittee.
....-+ -,.+ mm ++ 2, "-'22
1960 to 1963
10-11 Feb Globe-Democrat "The time for haggling and1962 Editorial bickering and counter-charging
has run out. The area will nothave as excellent an opportunityagain to get moving with theMeramec River development. If acontrol program is not developednow, the cost after anotherdecade or two will be prohibi-tive."
23 Feb 62 Active member of MBC The first part of the Washingtonand MBA University research project re-
port came out, approved by theMBC board - Volume 1, Sunaryand a Program of Water Develop-ment Proposals.
The opening sentence of theforeword presents an overalldescription of the report: "Inthe volumes and numerous appen-dices of this report the MeramecBasin is examined to provide abasis for economic developmentand proper planning, with par-ticular emphasis on water re-source problems, demands andopportunities."
A copy of Volume 1 was forwardedto- Rep. Cannon.
Globe-Democrat Headline: "Recreation AreaNews story Urged for Meramec River Basin"
24 Feb 62 Post-Dispatch Considers the scope of theEditorial Washington University study to be
almost excluively limited torecreation development.
23
- . .. -° L
f
1960 to 1963
27 Feb 62 Active member of MBC Meeting in Jefferson City of theand MBA steering committee of the Meramec
Cooperative Planning Committee.
1 Mar 62 Globe-Democrat "The importance of the MeramecEditorial research survey, based on the
economic worth of the basin, isits underscoring of the necessityfor immediate development plan-ning."
10 Mar 62 Globe-Democrat Refers to the Washington Univer-Letter to the editor sity project report as represent-
ing a land grab.
30 Mar 62 Active member of MBC Arthur Morgan submitted a re-and MBA quested, six-page commentary on
the Washington University Meramecproject, Volume 1. The essenceof the comment: The generalappraisal of the situation isgood. The eramec area is onesingle great resource which callsfor a unified development, withforesight and imagination.
2 Apr 62 Post-Dispatch "Recreation lakes would helpLetter to the editor tremendously."
5 Apr 62 Active member of MBC First meeting of the Meramecand MBA Cooperative Planning Committee in
Jefferson City.
13 Apr 62 Globe-Democrat District Engineer made speech atPost-Dispatch the Engineers Club the previousNews stories evening: A review of lake sites
being studied, including eightmajor, eight intermediate and 19headwater.
24
I
1960 to 1963
16 Apr 62 Post-Dispatch District Engineer's prelim-Editorial inary description of the Meramec
Basin study being made by theArmy Engineers is encouragingboth for its breadth of interestand for the spirit of cooperationit exemplifies.
18 Apr 62 Globe-Democrat "The similarity of plans by theEditorial Army Engineers and the Meramec
Basin Corporation for a system oflakes and dams in the MeramecValley development suggestsarchitects for the project areheaded in the right direction."
27 Apr 62 Globe-Democrat District Engineer was speaker atNews story Missouri Society of ProfessionalEngineers meeting. He said thatprojects such as the Merameccould save time, money and effortthrough closer cooperation be-tween private engineers and theCorps.
May 1962 Active member of MC MBC president commented re aand MBA funed-raising campaign: ". . . to
see the planning through to adefinite program which willbenefit the Basin people andbusinesses."
9 May 62 Active member of MBC Contact by the MBC with Rep.and MBA Cannon - updating him re
progress on the Meramec effortand informing him that thegeneral feeling is that the Corpsis working on the study coopera-tively, with open minds and withimagination.
25
................ ,' I I - ,, ,f , . :, ... ., ,, = ", ... - ,l
1960 to 1963
SourceLUN
26-27 May Globe-Democrat The Meramec Basin Corporation1962 News story sponsored a series of eight June
meetings in Basin towns to showthe new MBC movie, "The Questionof the Mermec."
29 May 62 Senate Document 97 A broad new policy reported by anPolicies, Standards and ad hoc committee of PresidentProcedures in the Formula- Kennedy, which was adopted astion, Evaluation, and Review policy by the Senate Committee onof Plans for Use and De- Interior and Insular Affairs.velopment of Water andRelated Land Resources
8 Jun 62 Globe-Democrat Rep. Thomas Curtis (Rep.) accusedNews story of stalling on Basin program by
Democratic candidate for theSecond District because of histaking a position of no action"until a local program is agreedupon."
Sep 1962 Information Bulletin Purpose: To explain Corps'St. Louis District approach in developing Meramec
water resources plan; to informpeople of progress of the study.
23 Oct 62 Globe-Democrat "The Army Corps of Engineers mid-Editorial point report on plans for con-
trolling the waters of the Mera-mec Basin offers high hopes foreventual realization of a projectthat can mean economic rejuvena-tion for areas in 14 Missouricounties."
Nov 62 Statement of U.S. Department "Funds were allotted to the Dept.of Agriculture at the Mera- of Agriculture to participate inmec hearing 12/18/63 a comprehensive study on the
Meramec River Basin."
26
m
1960 to 1963
Source ... .ry
20 Nov 62 District file District's cooperating agencies:".. joint meeting of all gov-
ernmental and local public agen-cies. . . participating in thecomprehensive study of the Mera-mec River Basin."
Purposes: To insure continuous,thorough coordination with allagencies; to insure timely com-pletion and submission of thereport to higher authority.
21 Jan 63 Globe-Democrat Report of the federal OutdoorNews story Recreation Resources Review Com-
mission on outdoor recreation inU.S. metropolitan regions. TheSt. Louis section, prepared byWashington University's SocialScience Institute,. emphasized theimportance of recreation to thearea's economy and said themetropolitan area "must act andact quickly" to develop theMeramec Basin for large-scalewater recreation. Referred tothe Corps study.
23-24 Mar Globe-Democrat Headline: "Meramec River Basin1963 News story Project Gains More Support from
Public" *
1 Apr 63 Globe-Democrat "Mermiec Basin. . . is at longEditorial last about ready to move into
the development stage."
3 Apr 63 Globe-Democrat From a resident of the upper BigLetter to the editor River area saying that people
there "are predominantly in favorof a sourd and worthwhile lakedevelopment."
27
1960 to 1963
Sourc Summar
3 Apr 63 Globe-Democrat Cost of the proposed Meramec(cont.) News story Basin development was placed at
about $216,000,000 in a prelimi-nary estimate, said the DistrictEngineer at a meeting in FlatRiver.
10 Apr 63 Globe-Democrat Opposition group organized -
News story and a comment Meramec Rivers Association.on the story by an activemember of MBC and MBA One of the leaders was a son of
the late W. W. Hoer, whosefamily and engineer friends hadproperty on the Meramec nearSteelville which would be af-fected by the upper reaches ofMeramec Park Lake.
16 Apr 63 Post-Dispatch "Many miles of streams in theOutdoors column area hardly are worth retaining
as they stand-now, and haven'tbeen for years. If the basinplan is adopted, float fishingin the area would probablyundergo a boom such as Missour'.never has seen."
17 Apr 63 Globe-Democrat "This beautiful stream whichLetter to the editor offers unparalleled recreational
facilities needs to be preservednot wrecked by damsl"
18 Apr 63 Globe-Democrat The executive of the MBC accusedNews story objectors of irresponsible mis-
representation of facts concern-ing the Corps' planning.
"Apparently the principal per-sonal aim of these people is toprotect property they own onBasin streams, or to maintainBasin streams for floating."
28
1960 to 1963
Date Source Summr
23 Apr 63 Globe-Democrat "The Corps of Engineers hasLetter to the editor apparently succeeded in brain-
washing everyone into acceptingtheir dam building spree."
3 May 63 Globe-Democrat "This project takes care of mostLetter to the editor of the needs for all of the Mera-
mec River; therefore we think itis the best program offered todate."
11 Jul 63 Globe-Democrat From the PR department of UnionLetter to the editor Electric, saying about the elec-
tric power to be derived from theMeramec that "the job may beworth whatever we put into it,but not in terms of power poten-tial."
Aug 1963 U.S. Department of 1) Physical land conditionsAgriculture Meramec River 2) Design and cost estimates forBasin Interim Report headwater "HO type reservoirs
11 Sep 63 Soil Conservation Service There was a delay of fl.iding forState (Mo.) Conservationist an information survey to deter-letter to District Engineer mine upland watershed needs.(with copy of interim SCS looking forward to partici-report) pation in a comprehensive Basin
plan.
15 Oct 63 District file: Most significant purpose: Corps'Meeting of agencies intention to complete study for
sending in the report by mid-January 1964.
Primary discussion: Economicevaluation of the major and in-termediate reservoirs.
Reporting: That hydropower notjustified, and study of 12 head-water sites and local protectionsites not completed.
29
1960 to 1963
17 Oct 63 Globe-Democrat Meramec Basin report scheduled toNews story be submitted shortly after Janu-
ary 1. A public meeting will beheld shortly to give citizens anopportunity to express views.
6 Nov 63 District file: Data discussed for comment onMeeting of agencies headwater sites and local pro-
tection projects as to authoriza-tion and order of construction.
15 Nov 63 Notice of public hearing To be held at St. Clair on12/18/63 to present the "Plan ofImprovements" in the MeramecRiver Basin.
4 Dec 63 Record of public hearing Synopsis of Findings, Canprehen-sive Basin Study, Meramec River,Missouri. Mailed to over 5,000people.
11 Dec 63 Globe-Democrat ". .the only thing which canLeonard Hall's columnn provide recreation to withstandgiving attention to Ozark today's pressure on the Meramnecrivers watershed is probably the series
of large and small impoundmuentsnowi under consideration."
18 Dec 63 Record of public hearing District Engineer opened thehearing with an explanation ofthe purpose of the hearing andthe principal points of the Basinstudy. He then introduced Rep.Clarence Cannon, who said, "Weare going to put it through."
The attendance record showed 480present with 42 speaking for, 11against, and one neutral whostressed citizen participation indecisions on projects.
30
1960 to 1963
19 Dec 63 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Cannon Goes All-OutNews story for eramec Basin Plan"
Editorial "The blueprints we have are aspractical and popular as we aregoing to get them. Now is thetime to begin the development inearnest, and now is the time forcivic organizations to get behindand push."
Post-Dispatch Headline: "Witnesses Urge LocalNews story Financing for Developing Meramec
Basin"
Editorial Re Cannon: "Champion for theMeramec". Re plan: "The 1963plan of development is a markedimprovement on the 1949 plan."Re recreation: "A practicalnecessity for an area's popula-tion". Re opposition:"Dwindled to a few."
20 Dec 63 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Representative CurtisNews story Charges State, Local Officials
Lag on Meramec Basin"
Active member of MBC MBC executive said the tuand MBA of slow action by officials was
due to the fact that work on theproblem of development was notfully understood.
31
1964 TO 1969
THE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT YEARS
!1
1964 to 1969
DaeSource l m
30 Jan 64 Meramec River, Missouri The Basin study was completedComprehensive Basin Study and sent to the Lower MississippiMain Report Valley Division - recommending
seven mainstream reservoirs, 12tributary reservoirs, 12 head-water reservoirs, 26 angler-usesites, and nine local floodprotection projects.
28 Feb 64 Active member of MBC After some publicity in the Basinand MBA for the MBC raising operating
funds, Rep. Cannon got disturbed,thinking that the public wasbeing solicited for funds to helphim campaign. The MBC contactedhim and explained that the fundswere for continued FEC planningwork with respect to area devel-opment that would need attentionalong with the Corps' program.Result: Cannon relaxed.
7 Apr 64 U.S.D.A. Field Advisory Report of progress made by theCmmittee meeting in U.S.D.A. on their continuingJefferson City with state study of land and water manage-agencies, Corps and MBC ment needs in the Meramec Basin.rep.-esentatives Results of study to be availableDistrict file in January 1965 with report to
follow by April 1965.
Apr 1964 Information Bulletin "To the People Interested in theSt. Louis District Meramec River Basin"
"This report presents an ap-praisal of short- and long-termneeds and submits, as a guide, aplan of improvement to meet theseneeds."
32
- ..
1964 to 1969
Source Source
22 Apr 64 Globe-Democrat Approval by division headquartersNews story at Vicksburg of the Basin plan
with "four of the seven proposedmajor reservoirs. . . included inthe project's first constructionphase."
Article detailed progression ofphases and costs.
23 Apr 64 Globe-Democrat "What is significant now is thatEditorial the first phase of the Meramec
Basin project has successfullypassed another examination of itsfeasibility and economic value,and next goes to . . . Washingtonfor the final review."
24 Apr 64 Notice of Comprehensive That "the comprehensive reviewBasin Study of Meramec report. . . is favorable to aRiver, Missouri comprehensive plan of water re-Lower Mississippi Valley sources development for the Mera-Division mec River Basin."
12 May 64 Post-Dispatch Rep. Cannon died suddenly.News story
Jun 1964 Active member of MBC The MBC had financial difficul-and MBA ties due to the cost of the
Washington University researchproject. It reduced operations,putting its executive on anagreed-upon "volunteer" status.
30 Sep 64 Active member of MBC MBC ceased paying for officeand MBA rent and a secretary, and went
out of business. Its executivemade arrangements with the land-lord for use of the office andbegan to work on a reorganizedeffort.
33
1964 to 1969
12 Nov 64 Active member of MBC The Meramec Basin Associationand MBA came into being in the filing of
its not-for-profit incorporationpapers - with six initial boardmembers from out in the Basin.
17 Nov 64 Summary Report of Basin Review and return of the reportStudy - June 1965 to the District by the Board of
Engineers for Rivers and Harbors- for a restudy of water storageand quality; reevaluation of arearedevelopment benefits and rec-reation.
2 Dec 64 Active member of MBC First board meeting of MBA. Fiveand MBA additional board members were
voted in. It was agreed that theoffice and executive of the MBCwould continue for the MBA andthat more board members and amembership drive would be givenearly attention.
Early 65 Active member of MBC Starting off immediately in theand MA new year the MBA, with the former
MBC executive, moved aheadsteadily. It gradually roundedout its board and its moneyraising; began to shape up itssupport and the continuation ofprogress of the Basin program.
Feb 65 Flood Plain Information Requested by the Jefferson Countymeramec River Court. Approved by MissouriJefferson County, Missouri Water Resources Board and ChiefTechnical Report of Engineers. Purpose: Useful
Information on floods and haz-arda; encourage optimum and pru-dent use of the river valley;provide information for theguidance of the public; reducefuture expenditures for federalprojects by avoiding improperflood plain development.
34
1964 to 1969
Data Source Summary
25 Feb 65 Meramec Basin A report given in St. Louis byInformation Digest for the District Engineer to St.Meramec Basin Association Louis and Basin supporters --Meeting at the first MBA gathering out-
side of board and committeemeetings. The presentation:The Present Status and a FutureOutlook.
Spring 65 Active member of MBC MBA executive was a principal inand MBA securing passage of Missouri law
authorizing state to share costsof water supply in federal reser-voirs in the state, as requiredby federal law.
15 Jun 65 Summary Report of Basin The Summary Report was a resub-Study mission by the District of the
Meramec study report, to higherauthority, with respect tochanges called for after theearlier review of the study inVicksburg and Washington, D.C.
Mid-year Active member of MBC Completion of U.S. Department of1965 and MBA Agriculture's Meramec study ef-
fort, on a 60 upland lakes pro-gram in the Basin. Report inprogress.
22-25 Jun Active member of MBC U.S.D.A. public meetings in1965 and MBA Salem, Potosi, Union, and Cuba:
Presented a panel discussion ofthe program being worked on inthe department's Meramec study.
9 Jul 65 Federal Water Project Made recreation an establishedRecreation Act part of water resource projects
- not Just incidental or secon-dary.
35
.. . 'al~ i w - u . - + . + - -=
1964 to 1969
8 Oct 65 LMVD "Supplemental Notice" A review of the Coprehensiveof Basin study - with Basin Study - sent by theattachment of Information Division to those known to beBulletin, October 1965 interested.
12 Jan 66 District file Board of Engineers for Riversand Harbors returned the studyto the Chief.
Feb 1966 Brief Report on Meramec Improvements reconended forRiver, Missouri Basin Plan initial construction.
21 Feb 66 Design Memo #1 Presented the hydrology andhydraulic analyses for MeramecPark Reservoir.
Mar 1966 The Meramec Basin Study "A review of the proposed plansCommittee, University of and clarification of problemsMissouri and issues associated with the
development of the Basin."
1 Apr 66 U.S. Department of Agricul- Report is part of the comprehen-ture Report prepared by Soil sive Basin plan. "The develop-Conservation Service, ment of the water and relatedEconomic Research Service, land resources requires 60 reer-Forest Service, State of voirs in the tributaries andMissouri headwaters of the Basin - 30
multipurpose. . . for flood pre-vention and recreation; 1L.for flood prevention alone; and16 for recreation in the ClarkNational Forest."
22 Apr 66 Active member of MBC Governor Warren E. Hearns wasand MBA the speaker at the MBA annual
meeting. The title of his talk:A Guide for Action on the Mera-mec; The Necessary Requirementsfor Securing Sound Development inthe Big, Bourbeuse and MerioecRiver Valleys of Missouri.
36
1964 to 1969
Source
24 June 66 Active member of MBC The MBA retained Carson W. Culpand MBA as its Washington, D.C. lobbyist.
Culp had retired from the HouseAppropriations Committee staffafter Rep. Cannon died.
Aug, Sep Active member of MC The MBA became aware of a serious1966 and MBA conflict with the Meramec report,
between the Corps and Departmentof Interior, on allocation ofcosts to reservoir uses. It ap-peared that approval of the re-port by Congress would be delayeda year. Mr. Culp was called bythe MBA executive. Action wastaken by Culp with the help ofMissouri Senator Long. An agree-ment by the agencies resulted:To get the report approved andthe question solved thereafter.
21 Sep 66 House Document No. 525 Chief of Engineers sent thereport to the Secretary of theArmy.
5 Oct 66 House Document No. 525 Bureau of the Budget to theSecretary of the Army - con-densed: Agreed with plan butrecammended a provision of noconstruction until the Presidentapproved a report from the Sec-retary on the basis of theproject formulation and thearrangements for cost sharing.
7 Oct 66 House Document No. 525 Secretary of the Army to theSpeaker of the House - a favor-able report for the Comittee onPublic Works per its request of4/6/60. Secretary concurs withthe Bureau of the Budget recom-mendation.
r 3T
Soure Sumary1964
to 1969
17 Oct 66 House Documnent No. 525 Report referred to the Comitteeand ordered to be Printed.
7 Nov 66 P. 89-789, Section 203 Reauthorized Meramec Park andFlood Control Act of 1966 Union reservoirs; authorized
Pine Ford, Irondale and 1-38reservoirs and 19 angler-usesites.
1967 District file Because of a restriction on somekinds of appropriations - due tothe Vietnam War - no construc-tion funds were provided for theMeramec project and others untilfurther notice.
Jan 1967 Meramec Park Reservoir Information folder providingMap and Pertinent Data reference to early stage of
dev elopment; the map showedoutline of the reservoir poolsand proposed use areas; Perti-nent reservoir data.
30 Jun 67 Meramec Park Lake BPreconatruction planning forChronology, 2 Nov 73 Meramec Park Lake was completedDistrict file 30 June 1967."
Aug 1967 Jefferson County Planning Proposed a national recreationand Zoning Comnission area on the leer Meragec.St. Louis County PlanningComission
28 Sep 67 Remrks of District Engineer The District Engineer was askedat Meramec Basin Assciation to cover the subject of selec-public information meeting tion and develoent of theat Sullivan recreational areas for the
Meranec Park Reservoir.
38
0 u 67Meamc ar La "Peo-cto plnin-o
1964 to 1969
13-1i4 Oct Active member of MBC Progress reports from state and1967 and MBA federal agencies on Basin proj-
ects, and related work, at fallmeeting of the MBA at Sullivan.
22 Nov 67 Post-Dispatch "The diligence of the Army Engi-Editorial neers in reserving lands for the
public around the projectedMeramec Park Reservoir has upsetthe dreams of avarice of somereal estate speculators."
24 Nov 67 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Basin Members HaveNews story Big Stake in Dom Acreage"
26 Nov 67 Post-Dispatch Headlines: "Five Firms Own 3,741News story Acres in Meramec Area"; "Reser-
voir Association Members FormedCompanies"
27 Nov 67 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Five Meramec Direc-News story tors Own Reservoir Land"
Comment in the story by one ofthe five: "... 'should not beconsidered land speculators' be-cause they had owned in the areafor many years and had been ac-tive in business there."
29 Nov 67 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Meramec Land OwnersNews story Deny Seeking Favors"
Letter to the editor "I am an active member of theMeramec Basin Association. I ownno land. I will get no moneyfrom this project, but will prob-ably get the problems. I am oneof better than 800 non-landownersin the organization. At no timehave I found reason to challengethe integrity of the organiza-tion, and I still don't despiteyour recent articles..." -
a Sullivan resident.
39
. . . .I ,,-*- ' i i . ..
1964 to 1969
Source Summary
3 Dec 67 Post-Dispatch Refers to opposition group inNews story Meramec reservoir area made up of
local landowners whose propertywould be taken - and being ledby Glynn Rice, radio stationowner in Sullivan.
Early 68 Active member of MC Missouri State Highway Depart-and MBA ment - Meramec Park Reservoir
area highway plan.
8-9 Jun Globe-Democrat About the testimony to the House1968 News story Appropriations Committee by
Corps representative of the Chiefof Engineers on Meramec landacquisition - that no advanceinformation was given to anyone,and there was no conflict ofinterest among MBA associationmembers inasmuch as they had noinside information.
" Jun 68 Post-Dispatch "Charges that members of theEditorial Meramec Basin Association re-
ceived favoritism from the ArmyEngineers... denied" by Corps.
"Mr. Rice and his associatessubmitted only the flimsiest at-tempts at documentation of theircharges. .. "
Active member of MBC The Post-Dispatch's editorialand MBA was, in effect, an apology to the
MA. Prior to the House Commit-tee hearing, the MBA executivemet with the paper's managementabout the bad reporting. Theytook the reporter off of anyfurther writing on Mermec newsstories.
40
1964 to 1969
Dat Sorc ummary
Dec 1968 Policies and Procedures of A pamphlet for the public - toLand Acquisition, Meramec answer questions about landPark Reservoir Project acquisition procedure.
Jan 1969 Meraznec Park Reservoir Map folder for distribution --Real Estate Plan showing lake with an overlay of
section lines and project boun-dary lines for fee purchase andeasement purchase.
Jan-Feb District file Flood: Late January brought1969 an unusual flood to the Basin.
Peak stage at Eureka was 27.02on 1 Feb.
Mar 1969 Analysis of Tourism and A 280-page study re: PhysicalRecreation Potential of and economic envirornent; poten-Heramec Park Reservoir tial visitors to reservoir;Region in Missouri prepared analysis of nearby recreation andfor Economic Development tourist attractions; attendanceAdministration of the U.S. potential of reservoir; publicDepartment of Commnerce and agency responsibilities; privateMissouri State Park Board development potentials; economicby E.R.A., Econom~ic Research impact.Associates, Los Angeles-Washington, D.C.
Spring Active member of MBC The MBA executive was a principal1969 and MBA in the passage of two bills re-
quired by federal law with re-spect to Corps reservoirs: Thestate water resources board toprotect public interests infederal reservoirs; establishmentof state fund for paying non-federal costs related to federallands and waters.
2 Oct 69 Active member of MBC MBA's Mr. Culp called and saidand MBA that the House Appropriations
Commnittee felt that 3,650 acresof' Meramec Park Reservoir landfor recre.ation, was not justified.
41
1964 to 1969
kit SourceS~r
8 Oct 69 Active member of MBC MBA executive met with represen-and MBA tatives of Corps and Missouri
Highway Department re federalshare of funding a bridge on Hwy.185 for crossing Union Reservoir.MBA's Mr. Culp had advised in aprevious telephone discussionwith the executive that the High-way Department and East-WestGateway Coordinating Councilshould write the House and SenateAppropriations Committees askingfor the fumds - sending copiesto the Bureau of the Budget.(See "Early fall 1970.")
11 Nov 69 Active member of MBC Mr. Culp reported that the Senateand MBA agreed with the House on the re-
striction of the Meramec Reser-voir recreation land, but felt itshould be held up to mid-'70 forthe Engineers to take anotherlook.
42
1 -- - -lW ...
THE 1970s
THE TUG-OF-WAR YEARS
19703
I
Feb 1970 Report to the Senate Appro- A report by the District, re-priations Committee on a quested by the Senate Appro-review of Land Acquisition priations Committee, withRequirements for Meramec respect to whether the 3,650Park Reservoir, Missouri acres of proposed Meramec Park
Reservoir land for recreationshould be part of the land ac-quisition. The report pointedout the need, and was backed bythe pertinent federal and stateagencies, and the Meramec BasinAssociation.
12 Mar 70 Post-Dispatch Corps' recommendation to CongressNews story on acquiring the disputed 3,650
acres of land for Meramec ParkReservoir.
11 May 70 Post-Dispatch Rep. Hungate urged funding forNews story Meramec and Union reservoirs.
13 Aug 70 Globe-Democrat Senate Appropriations CommitteePost-Dispatch approved funds for Meramec andNews stories Union reservoirs.
Early Active member of MBC President signed the public worksfall 1970 and MBA appropriations bill with Basin
funding for Meramec reservoirland acquisition - including the3,650 acres that had been ques-tionable; Union reservoir gettingmoney for completing preconstrue-tion work, as well as the Hwy.185 Bourbeuse River bridge fund-ing - to the state in the amountof $600,000.
43
t-
-- -. .- - -ml
19705
22 Sep 70 Post-Dispatch MBA board members, local andNews story state officials, and Congressmen
met with budget officials inWashington, D.C. - recommendingconstruction funds for Meramecand Union reservoirs.
6 Nov 70 Meramec Park Reservoir Completion of the statement.Environmental ImpactStatementDistrict file
26-27 Dec Globe-Democrat Reporting on the views of state1970 Post-Dispatch and federal agency comments in
News stories the Meramec Environmental ImpactStatement (EIS). Gains andlosses referred to.
30 Dec TO Post-Dispatch Emphasized the need for MeramecEditorial Park Reservoir and the need as
well to avoid problems thatcould result from development inthe area.
1971 District file The Vietnam restriction on con-struction funding was lifted, butthe list for funding was verysnall - did not include Meramec.There was an obvious prospect ofa bigger list for funding in1972.
1 Jan 71 Globe-Democrat "The Meramec Basin program mustEditorial progress as fast as national con-
ditions will permit."
7 Feb 71 Post-Dispatch "Mr. Nixon's budget suggestsEditorial $1,500,000 for land acquisition
and nothing for construction.The Nixon budget allows for eightconstruction starts on similarprojects, including three reser-voirs. . . which will not be aslarge as the Meramec, nor as neara big urban area, nor as neededfor urban recreation."
44
1970s
Source Sumar
23 Feb 71 Meramec Park Reservoir Filed with the Council onEnvironmental Impact Environmental Quality.StatementDistrict file
3 Mar 71 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Union ReservoirNews story Proposal Stirs Ecological Debate"
State agencies not all in com-plete agreement with pluses overminuses in their statements inthe Union reservoir EIS.
15 Apr 71 Post-Dispatch From the MBA executive: "TheLetter to the editor Union Lake project has been, and
still is, approved by all perti-nent state and federal agencies."
27 Apr 71 Globe-Democrat The St. Louis Coalition for thePost-Dispatch Environment challenges the Corps'News stories EIS on the Meramec - in a letter
to Russell Train, chairman of thefederal Council on EnvironmentalQuality.
29 Apr 71 Globe-Democrat Reply by the MBA to the objec-News story tions from the Coalition for the
Environment about Meraec ParkReservoir: "The prime factorsare the needs of people and theneed for selective changes in theenvironment because of people'sneeds."
Post-Dispatch For Meramec Park Reservoir andEditorial against the Coalition for the
Environment protest.
45
0 .........
1 9703
Sok urceSM E6 June 71 Post-Dispatch The need for access on the lower
Outdoor column Meramec "until plans for afederal recreation area on thelower end of the river arerealized..."
26-27 Jun Globe-Democrat Headline: "Meramec Park Lake1971 News story Project Assailed by Environment
Group"
Letter to the District Engineerfrom the Coalition for the En-vironment.
5 Aug 71 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Proposed Lake Bottom"Special color photo featurein Sunday supplement An article by a Post-Dispatch
reporter who wrote the story withviews pro and anti, but obvi-ously weighted to the anti sidefrom the way it was written.
6-8 Aug Active member of MBC Second annual project inspection1971 and MBA trip by the MBA - to Lakes
Carlyle and Rend in Illinois andLake Wappapello and Council Blufflake site in Missouri - a groupof 32, made up of MBA officersand board members, local arearesidents, and state and federalagency representatives.
28 Sep 71 Post-Dispatch A memorandum by the Corps inNews story reply to charges in June by the
Coalition for the Environment -"The proposed Meramec Park damand reservoir has been plannedto minimize environmental damage,the Army Corps of Engineers saidyesterday."
46
1970s
Source Sumar
1 Oct 71 Post-Dispatch The Meramec Memorandum -Editorial "Critics will contend that the
statement is not thorough orscientific enough to satisfy re-quirements of the National En-vironmental Policy Act, but thecase for not building the reser-voir, or for moving it, is evenless persuasive."
30 Oct 71 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Meramec StudyNews story Assailed Again"
By the Coalition for theEnvironment again charging aninadequate EIS. "Coalition-sources said the exchange wasaimed at paving the way for acourt challenge of the project."
22 Sep 72 Active member of MBC MBA executive met with specialand MBA -assistant (a St. Louisan) to the
President re the release of$500,000 appropriated but notbudgeted - for Meramec reservoirconstruction start. Arrangementsensued for taking the money outof budgetary reserve in fiscalyears 1973 and 1974.
25 Sep 72 Sierra Club, et al. vs. The Sierra Club and two individ-Robert F. Froehlke, Secre- uals filed a lawsuit against thetary of the Army, et al. Corps in federal court in St.District file Louis - based on violation of
the National Environmental PolicyAct and other acts under whichthe Corps was operating.
29 Dec 72 Sierra Club, et al. vs. The plaintiffs (Sierra Club, etRobert F. Froehlke, et al. al.) filed a motion for stmmary
judgment based on alleged insuf-ficiency of the Meramec EIS.
147
1970s
Source Sumar
10 Jan 73 Post-Dispatch Against Meramec Park dam. WouldLetter to the editor destroy the unique and scenic
river valley.
23 Feb 73 Sierra Club, et al. vs. Oral arguments in the SierraRobert F. Froehlke, et al. Club lawsuit heard by the Court
- on the motion for summnaryjudgnent.
16 Mar 73 Globe-Democrat Need for the Meramec program.Letter to the editor Recreation pressures will ruin
the Basin streams without thelakes.
Apr 1973 District file F1ood: Predominantly a Mis-sissippi backwater flood.Arnold, Fenton, Valley Parkdamaged. Mean daily flow of34,000 CFS at Eureka on 25 Aprwas highest discharge in Spring1973.
21 Mar 73 Globe-Democrat Against Meramec program. De-Letter to the editor stroying the beauty of the river.
15 May 73 Post-Dispatch HBA testimony before appropria-News story tions subcommittees in Washing-
ton, D.C. - supporting Meramecprogram.
25 May 73 Globe-Democrat MBA comments concerning inac-News story curate statements of opponents
appearing before subcommitteesin Washington, D.C.
10 Jun 73 Post-Dispatch Re reference, in Corps' revisedNews story EIS, to a national recreation
area from Meramec Spring atSt. James to the MississippiRiver (including Meramec Parkdam).
48
S
1970s
Source
11 Jul 73 Sierra Club, et al. vs. U.S. district judge refused toFroehlke, et al. grant an injunction to stop
Meramec Park Reservoir construc-tion and gave the Corps to 10/1for revising the EIS.
1 Aug 73 Post-Dispatch Corps preparations for movingNews story cemetaries in Meramec Park Lake
area.
Post-Dispatch Against Meramec Park dam. "ToLetter to the editor dam such a beautiful area would
be an irreversible crime."
2 Aug 73 Globe-Democrat Flood Plains Conservation ActNews story sponsored by Rep. James Syming-
ton. Comments quoted from pro-ponents and opponents.
14 Aug 73 Globe-Democrat Congressional approval of moneyNews story for construction work at Meramec
Park and Union lake sites.
27 Sep 73 Meramec Park Reservoir EIS The Revised and Supplemented EISDistrict file was filed with the Council on
Envirornental Quality.
8 Nov 73 Post-Dispatch Re a 16-page commentary by theNews story head of the Department of the
Interior regional office inDenver - in regard to Corps'revised EIS. The official statedit would be cheaper to buy theflood plains downstream from theMeramec dam than to build thedam.
11 Nov 73 Post-Dispatch Headline: "From an Address byMirror of Public Opinion Gov. Christopher S. Bond to theEditorial page Meramec Basin Association" (at
the MBA annual meeting on 10/30in Eureka)
S|...-- _--- -. - -- - "=49
1970s
Source SUM
11 Nov 73 "... in my judgment, the merits(cont.) of the Meramec Basin project
overwhelmingly outweight the ad-verse aspects."
15 Nov 73 Globe-Democrat Opposed dam. "Why can't theyLetter to the editor leave well enough alone? So many
people thoroughly enjoy the Hera-mec and its tributaries as theyare now, in their natural state."
30 Dec 73 Post-Dispatch Headline: "New Suit to BlockNews story Dam Plan"
Actually, an amended petition inthe suit by the Sierra Club inthe U.S. District Court. Theclub said the revised EIS was"meaningless and inadequate."
16-17 Feb Globe-Democrat Symposium at St. Louis University1974 News story 2/16 and 2/17"or; history of Mera-
mec Basin, its caves, springs andflat water recreation, and theimpact of federal reservoirs onrural ccwunities.
Mar-Nov Globe-Democrat Numerous newspaper pieces and1974 Post-Dispatch letters to the editor with re-
spect to caves and bats, alter-nate possibilities in using re-sources, and a variety of reflec-tions or views and feelings aboutthe Meramec streams, lakes, needsand losses.
10 Mar 74 Post-Dispatch Article from St. Louis C&MeraeMirror of Public Opinion of the Regional Ccmerce andEditorial page Growth Aasociation - on the
economic and social values ofMeramec development.
Editorial "It is time to move ahead."
50
1970s
17 Mar 74 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Would Sue to SaveNews story 3 Caves"
"A new court suit to stop theMeramec Park dam. . . is beingprepared" - by the owner ofOnondaga, Cathedral and MeramecCaverns.
20 Mar 74 Globe-Democrat L-w bid submitted to Corps forPost-Dispatch Meramec dam site initial con-News story struction - access road, admin-
istration building, and visitorscenter.
25 Mar 74 Post-Dispatch Annual meeting of ConservationNews story Federation of Missouri - voted
to study Basin plan.
10 Apr 74 Post-Dispatch Rep. Symington testified beforeNews story a House appropriations subcom-
mittee for a study of a proposednational recreation area on thelower Meramec.
19 Apr 74 Globe-Democrat Governor initiated a review ofNews story the other four main lakes for the
Basin, beside Meramec Park Lakeon which he "has taken a favor-able position."
21 May 74 Globe-Democrat Governor to move quickly on stateNews story review of Meramec Basin projects
- particularly re need for com-ment on Union reservoir EIS.
5 Jun 74 Globe-Democrat Re appropriations: "For theNews story Meramec project, the. . . commit-
tee approved $4.6 million - $1million beyond the President'sproposal." Funds earmarked forinitial construction and landacquisition.
51
19703
Raue Source SU. r
7 Jun 74 Globe-Democrat Heading: "Meramec Lake -Editorial Boon for Region"
13 Jun 74 Globe-Democrat Governor wrote Senate appropria-News story tions chairman to reinstate $2
million for Union Lake construc-tion start and $150,000 for plan-ning Pine Ford Lake. House com-mittee had deleted those amounts.
19-20 Jun Globe-Democrat Governor endorsed Union Lake.1974 Post-Dispatch
News stories
22 Jun 74 Globe-Democrat New lawsuit filed. Seeking toPost-Dispatch block construction of MeramecNews stories dam.
24 Jun 74 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Meramec 'CleanNews story Stream' Project',Seeking Recruits"
4 Jul 74 Globe-Democrat Construction of the MeramecNews story access road and visitors center,
and cutting trenches at the siteof the abutments.
11 Nov 74 Globe-Democrat 300 members of the MBA at annualNews story meeting in Sullivan. Speaker -
executive of the ChattahoocheeRiver Basin Development Commis-sion in Gecrgia, speaking aboutLake Lanier near Atlanta.
26 Nov 74 Post-Dispatch Sierra Club lawsuit underway andNews story the judge raising questions re-
flecting doubt of the plaintiffposition.
52
C rf
27 Nov 74 Globe-Democrat --News story .
28 Nov 74 Globe-Democrat -News story
14 Mar 75 Post-Dispatch ieac. r %Ne' o ASpecial feature Neec Analvn',q
ArtIcle nasec r bsiervat-on, sfan econmlst wt, asningtor,I... basd -esearI group -Resources for the ;uture, inc.
19-20 Mar Globe-Democrat "Judge rejects Sierra :lub suit1975 Post-Dispatch to halt project." The Corps has
News stories "acted in good faith, within itsauthority, and in a reasonable,responsible manner."
"Meramec Dam Plans Revived"
21 Mar 75 Globe-Democrat "... one of the last seriousPost-Dispatch challenges to completion of theEditorials project has been eliminated."
".. if the appeal against thedam will proceed, so will thework on the project."
23 Mar 75 Active member of MBC Annual membership meeting ofand MEA Conservation Federation of Mis-
souri - one item of business: Avote on Meramec reservoir. Re-sult: About 17,400 votes cast(including local organizationmemberships). Opponents pre-vailed with just several hundredvotes over half.
53
1 970s
2=Source Sumar
18 Apr 75 Globe-Democrat The governor supported MeramecNews story reservoir in face of 45,000
signatures in petitions. Saysbenefits outweight negativeaspects.
30 Apr 75 Post-Dispatch Opponents testified in Washing-News story ton, D.C. against funds for
Meramec reservoir.
9 May 75 Post-Dispatch A state agency is studyingNews story hydroelectric power on the
Meramec. Governor's view notknown, but assistants say he isprivately unenthusiastic on theMeramec dam because he is caughtbetween proponents and opponentsof the dam.
28 May 75 Post-Dispatch Rep. Symingtop wants to seeNews story "environmental mediation" be-
tween opponents and supporters."We need to check into the ad-vantages of making a couple ofother smaller lakes."
29 May 75 Globe-Democrat Meramec reservoir visitors centerNews story was vandalized with "Stop the
Dam" signs just before a MemorialDay preview of the completedfacility. 6,297 visitors showedup.
21-22 Jun Globe-Democrat The House Appropriations Commit-1975 News story tee approved funds for Basin
projects.
54
1970s
DateSource Summary
7 Jul 75 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Symington ToursNews story Meramec Dam Dispute Area"
Sierra Club took the Congressmanon a float trip on CourtoisCreek and on a tour of OnondagaCave. After a tour of the cavehe said, "I sure would hate tosee this thing go."
17 Aug 75 Post-Dispatch "Bond Enjoys Float on MeramecNews story But Doesn't Alter Dam Support"
7 Sep 75 Post-Dispatch Pictures, maps and story onSunday Pictures Truman and Meramec dams under
construction.
Headline: "Damming the Meramecand Osage: An Idea Whose TimeHas Passed?"
8 Sep 75 Post-Dispatch Governor set up the lower Mera-News story mec (from below Meramec dam site
to the Mississippi) as the Mera-mec Recreation Area - forestablishing a coordinatingcommittee of state, county andmunicipal officials. Purpose:To plan development of publicrecreation facilities on theriver.
10-11 Sep Post-Dispatch Re U.S. Court of Appeals on1975 Globe-Democrat Sierra Club lawsuit against the
News stories Corps - Court ordered the Corpsto provide a report on whetherIndiana bats at the Meramecreservoir site would be endan-gered by construction.
55
I 9T0s
12 Sep 75 Post-Dispatch The administrator of the EPANews story said that federal officials
should restudy the Basin project-funding of millions my notbe justified.
24 Sep 75 Post-Dispatch Re bats and construction. Con-News story struction "can be performed
without endangering the Indianabat or its habitat," the Corpsreported.
7 Oct 75 Post-Dispatch Missouri Conservation DepartmentNews story opposed Union reservoir -
"would destroy wildlife valuesalmost impossible to replace."
9 Oct 75 Post-Dispatch Letter from the Fish and Wild-News story life Service filed by the Sierra
Club with the U.S. Court ofAppeals: Corps should "immedi-ately cease all',project activi-ties" on the Meramec reservoirbecause of danger to the Indianabat.
12 Oct 75 Post-Dispatch Re Union reservoir: "Conserva-Outdoors column tionists Gather Ammo for Battle
of Bourbeuse Valley"
16 Oct 75 Post-Dispatch Re Division Engineer talk to theNews story American Society of Civil Engi-
neers - "Blasts Don't BotherBats."
20 Oct 75 Post-Dispatch Re annual meeting of MBA: Rep.News story Burlison was the speaker, and
present were staff members ofGovernor Bond, Senators Eagletonand Symington, aind Representa-tives Ichord and Symington. Theysaid they -iould continue to sup-port the dai project.
56
II - -- - . . ..- -
1970s
Source
26 Oct 75 Post-Dispatch Representatives of the Corps,News story MBA and Sierra Club debated the
Meramec reservoir before scienceclasses at Oakville Senior HighSchool, Mhlville. Studentattitude: Opposing.
28 Oct 75 Globe-Democrat Interview with Governor Bond:News story Supported Meramec reservoir.
Need to look at the other fourreservoirs.
Nov, Dec Globe-Democrat Re Meramec reservoir. Two Thr.1975 Post-Dispatch Streams and campgrounds are
Letters to the editor crowded; economy will benefitand closeby recreation is energysaving in cars. Nine against:Loss of natural resources; addsto the national debt; protectionof wildlife; lakes are availablein easy driving distance; againstnatural terraiy turned into play-grounds for "big people"; needsto be reexamined; stress of lakeon the New Madrid fault.
4-5 Nov Post-Dispatch Owner of Onondago Cave testified1975 Globe-Democrat in his U.S. District Court case
News stories that t"i. cave would be almostimpossib e to use if flooded byMeramec reservoir.
18 Nov 75 Globe-Democrat "Don't Block Union Lake"Editorial
3 Dec 75 Post-Dispatch Re Missouri Attorney GeneralNews story John C. Danforth - expected to
be the Republican nominee forU.S. Senator in 1976: "His'general leanings' are againstthe controversial Meramec Parkdam project."
57
1970s
Source Summary
7-14 Dec Globe-Democrat The two dailies reported a con-1975 Post-Dispatch flict of opinions on Meramec
News stories reservoir - between the Mis-souri Department of NaturalResources (pro Meramec) and theU.S. Department of the Interior(anti): A result of DNR's pre-liminary state recreation studymaterial, with reference to thetotal of all kinds of flat wateracreage in eastern Missouri, butnot taking into account theprivate lake and farm pondacreage being inaccessible, andMississippi navigation poolshaving limitations in regard tobroad use by the public ingeneral.
Active member of MBC The reading public, and appar-and MBA ently the two newspapers also,
didn't know that a young staffman, aiding the Assistant Secre-tary of Interiqr handling thesubject, was from St. Louis andan ardent canoeist and SierraClub friend.
13-14 Dec Globe-Democrat A total of $8.48 million for1975 News story Basin projects was approved by
Congress: Meranec for construc-tion - $6.8 million; Union forbridge over lake - $1.03 mil-lion; Pine Ford planning -$650,000.
23 Dec 75 Globe-Democrat "Congress' approval of anotherEditorial $8.48 million in appropriations
for projects in the MeramecBasin Development program indi-cates that it has no intentionof being deflected by vocalcritics."
58(
1 9703
Source
26 Dec 75 Post-Dispatch Leader of the Sierra Club'sNews story Ozark Chapter challenged Governor
Bond to explain his stand infavor of Meramec reservoir.
27-28 Dec Globe-Democrat The President signed the1975 Post-Dispatch appropriations bill that in-
News stories cluded the $6.8 million forBasin projects.
22 Jan- Globe-Democrat Re Meramec reservoir: 25 for;18 Dec Post-Dispatch 43 aaainst. Reasons from "A1976 Letters to the editor to Z." Reflected much the same
as the year's array of reportsand comments in the newspapers.
4 Jan 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "The Year of DecisionFeature story for Dam on the Meramec"
An article pointing out the"versus" situation with the Corpsgetting closer to starting con-struction of the dam; the SierraClub and other opponents waitingfor the U.S. Court of Appealsdecision, thinking of comingelections in the year and how touse them to fight the dam.
21-22 Jan Post-Dispatch President's budget request in-1976 Globe-Democrat cludes: Meramec - $4.5 million;
News stories Union - $700,000; Pine Ford -$500,000.
4 Feb 76 Post-Dispatch State Representative in Floris-News story sant conducted a poll on opinions
re construction of Meramec.Result: 27% for; 63% against;10$ no opinion.
59
DaaSurce~r13 Feb 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Democrat Candidates
News story Opposing Meramec Dam"
Five candidates spoke at a meet-ing in Florissant, running forthe seat in Congress beingvacated by Rep. Hungate. Reasonsagainst the dam: don't need it;opposed to flooding the streamsopposing the dam and Corp activi-ties.
News story Sierra Club leader urges MissouriConservation Commission to opposeMeramec dam.
22-23 Feb Globe-Democrat Headline: "Meramec Dam is Called1976 Post-Dispatch 'an Envirornental Edsell"
News storiesAssistant Secretary of the In-terior thus described the Meramecdam project in a talk before theannual meeting of the Missouriand Illinois branches of theSierra Club.
24 Feb 76 Post-Dispatch MBA executive charges the assis-News story tant secretary with ignoring two
of the three agencies he wasresponsible for: the NationalPark Service and the Bureau ofOutdoor Recreation - both sup-porting Meramec dam; the Fish andWildlife Service being againstit
8 Mar 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Danforth ViewsNews story Meramec Project in Canoe
Said he would probably beagainst the project but thoughthe should speak with proponentsbefore saying what he thinks.(Campaigning for U.S. Senator)
60
1970S
11 Mar 76 Post-Dispatch RCGA group in Washington, D.C. toNews story meet with bi-state Congressional
members. Supports "the effortsof our congressional representa-tives to obtain continued fundingfor Meramec Lake."
16 Mar 76 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Meramec Park LakeNews story Target Date Now 1982"
Corps testifying for appropria-tions for Meramec, Union andPine Ford.
24 Mar 76 Post-Dispatch Re Jimmy Carter campaigning inNews story St. Louis: "Absolutely, I'm
against it. The Meramec Dam isvery similar to the one I vetoedin Georgia." (when he wasgovernor)
5-6 Apr Post-Dispatch Headline: "Schramn Opposes1976 Globe-Democrat Meramec Dam"
News storiesRunning for Congressionalrepresentative against StateSenator Robert Young in theprimary. Would cost too muchand not needed, Schram says.
6 Apr 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Interior DepartmentNews story Urges Meramec Halt"
Corps should determine impact onendangered species and makeplans to compensate for fish andwildlife losses.
8 Apr 76 Post-Dispatch Rep. Ichord asks for increase inNews story amount of funds for Meramec.
61
19'7s
Source
22 Apr 76 Post-Dispatch Danforth: "Meramec Dam. . . isNews story not worth the. . . price tag or
the irreparable ecologicaldamage."
23 Apr 76 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Bond for Meramec DamNews story Despite Danforth View"
23-24 Apr Post-Dispatch Headline: "Meramec Dam Upheld1976 Globe-Democrat by Appellate Court"
News stories
Corps' operations prevail.Sierra Club contentions rejected.
2 May 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Meramec Park LakeNews story Plan Is Made Public by Engineers"
A master plan for campsites,boat slips, launching ramps,aimming beaches, fishing facili-ties, and other outdoor recrea-tion.
18 May 76 Post-Dispatch Former Governor Hearnes campaign-News story ing for U.S. Senate - reaffirms
support of Meramec.
23 May 76 Post-Dispatch "The shifting trends of politicsNews story may be catching up with the
Meramec Dam." Article reviewedthe attitudes or comments of anumber of political candidates.
26 May 76 Post-Dispatch House Appropriations CommitteeNews story added $5 million to the $4.5
million budget figure forMeramec reservoir.
62
1970s
Date Source
29 May 76 Post-Dispatch State Senator Young, running forNews story Congressman, said the dam would
be an important and environmentalasset to the area.
1 Jun 76 Post-Dispatch U.S. Representative Litton, fromNews story northwest Missouri and running
for U.S. Senator, opposedMeramec.
News story Sierra Club proposed an alterna-tive Meramec plan which would use12,732 acres in the Basin, in-cluding what the Corps had al-ready acquired. Plan called for:1) 942 acres - public camp
areas; 236 acres - picnicareas
2) Hiking trails - 45 miles;riding trails - 45 miles
3) Continuation of productivefarming on, 15,360 acres
4) Easy access to 49 miles ofOzark streams.
Globe-Democrat "Bats: Facts and Fallacy" willNews story be discussed at the first of a
series of special Sunday pro-grams during June at the MeramecLake visitors center.
8 June 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Meramec OpponentsNews story Cite Teton Dam Break"
Expected to be used by environ-mentalists to block or delayMermec.
15 Jun 76 Active member of MBC House passed appropriations billand MBA with the Meramec reservoir money
ir it- $9.5 million.
63
V' /
1970s
Rat& Sor umr
15-16 Jun Post-Dispatch Rep. Symington, running for the1976 News articles Senate to succeed his father,
continued to support Meramec butwas willing to consider media-tion. Proponent leaders rejectthat, indicating it was too late.
17 Jun 76 Globe-Democrat Corps will buy Onondaga Cave andNews story keep it open as a tourist
attraction.
18 Jun 76 Post-Dispatch Director of Missouri DNR says theNews story four additional Basin lakes prob-
ably will never be constructed."The Meramec is one of the lastto be approved. There's just abad attitude at this time towarddam construction."
24 Jun 76 Post-Dispatch State SenatorGralike, an elec-News story trical union head, was not so
sure the dam should be built.In the race for Congress fromthe Third District.
28-29 Jun Globe-Democrat St. Louis Alderman Gephardt,1976 Post-Dispatch running for Congress from the
News stories Third District, called on Gov.Bond to put a nonbinding infor-mational question on the Novem-ber ballot for eastern Missourivoters - re Meramec dam beingbuilt or not.
6 Jul T6 Post-Dispatch Candidate Koch, running forNews story Congress from the Third Dis-
trict, against the dam - "ofquestionable value when thebasic service needs of people. . . are going unmet."
64
/
Da eSource
Summary19 0
11 Jul 76 Post-Dispatch Majority of St. Louis EngineersNews story Club favor Meramec construction:
Er - 375; Against - 257;No p- 96.
News story State legislator, Rep. Baker,candidate for lieutenant gover-nor: Against Meramec because ofcosts versus benefits, andauthority for taking land is inWashington, D.C.
12 Jul 76 Active member of MBC President signed appropriationsand MBA bill with $9.5 million in it for
Meramec.
16 Jul 76 Post-Dispatch Congressional candidates reNews story Meramec: E= - Mr. Chase,
Second District - water supplyand recreation; Aga= -Mr. Leick, Eighth DistrictCorps' mania 'to build dams, andgreedy speculators and commer-cial enterprise; Against -
Mr. Leiderman, Eighth Districtopposed the dam.
22 Jul 76 Globe-Democrat Congressional candidate reNews story Meramec: Aganf - Mr.
Badaracco, Third District -would destroy area's beauty andits present use.
27 Jul 76 Post-Dispatch Automobile Club of Missouri pollNews story re Merumec reservoir (first 1,500responses): Er - 199;
Am=nnt - 1 ,301.
2 Sep 76 Post-Dispatch Sierra Club endeavors to get aNews story group of St. Louis area business-
men to support the club' s alter-nate Meramec (non-lake) plan.
65
1970s
6 Sep 76 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Urgent Need for Mera-Editorial mec Lake Water"
Problems in Jefferson County get-ting enough water from deep wellswith a fast-growing population.
9 Sep 76 Globe-Democrat "Opponents of the Meramec Dam andEditorial Lake are looking worse by the day
as the drouth of 1976 steadilydepletes the area's water sup-plies."
13 Sep 76 Globe-Democrat Referendum in eastern Missouri onPost-Dispatch dam favored by Governor Bond.
14 Sep 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Sierra Club WantsNews story State-Wide Dam Vote"
15 Sep 76 Globe-Democrat Governor Bond's call for aEditorial referenum in eastern Missouri
should be approved by the legis-lat ire.
Post-Dispatch Opinion on the Meramec dam willEditorial be reflected to a degree in the
November elections: GovernorBond for; Teasdale against.Meramec is a campaign issue onwhich candidates may take astand and be judged. That seemspreferable to shifting responsi-bility to an advisory referendum.
20 Sep 76 Post-Dispatch Representative Ichord opposesNews story Union - costs outweigh need or
benefits. Continues to support1eramec and Pine Ford.
66
1970-3
DateSource Summary
28 Sep 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Franklin CountyNews story Court Opposes Union Dam"
" too much stress onrecreation."
30 Sep 76 Post-Dispatch The candidates (Democrat andNews story Republican) for state attorney
general oppose Meramec.
13-14 Oct Post-Dispatch RCGA says that polls showing1976 Globe-Democrat public opposition to Meramec
News stories indicate a need for greater un-derstanding of the issues. Thedam "amounts to more than decid-ing whether one likes a lake bet-ter than a river."
23-24 Oct Globe-Democrat Republican Congressional candi-1976 News stories date Snyder opposes Meramec.
Democrat candidate Young supportsMeramec.
7 Nov 76 Post-Dispatch Elected - and against the dam:News story President Carter and Senator
Danforth; Governor Teasdale (nofurther expenditures "until areferendum could be held"). Alsoelected to Congress: Rep. Gep-hardt - against; Rep. Volkner
against; Rep. Young - Lr.
13-19 Nov Globe-Democrat A review of the Meramec lake and1976 Special series of six Basin subject - covering his-
articles tory, controversy, purposes,resource use and preservation,economics, area growth, politics,support, and opposition.
67
1970s
Date Sumry
27 Nov 76 Post-Dispatch Meramec dam project hurt, SenatorNews story Eagleton said. ". . not at
this time withdrawing my support"but "the support for the dam hasbeen considerably weakened."
28 Nov 76 Post-Dispatch Opinions for and against bySunday Pictures several people living and working
in the lake area.
3 Dec 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Labor Barcing Con-News story struction of Meramec Dam"
" . . will create 3,950 jobsimmediately and an estimated 500new jobs in the area annually forthe next 20 years," said the St.Louis Labor Council.
16 Dec 76 Globe-Democrat Bass fishermen group pickets inNews story front of Corps District offices
building - with signs supportingMeramec.
19 Dec 76 Post-Dispatch Senator Eagleton recommended aNews story halt in Meramec construction,
pending the outcome of a statereferendum. Governor Teasdalecalled for a referendum butdidn't say whether he wanted itstatewide or for easternMissouri.
20 Dec 76 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Pro-Meramec LeaderNews story Opposes State Dam Vote"
"Basically, the people where thelake would be built will be theones who have responsibility forwhat goes on there."
23 Dec 76 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Spending for MeramecNews story Dam May Be Halted Until Vote"
68
1970s
Date Source ummary
29 Dec 76 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Jefferson CountyEditorial Water Crisis"
Manager of Water Districts 4 and9 said it is absolutely critical.Meramec reservoir preferable toMississippi River water.
5 Jan 77 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Ichord Warns AgainstNews story Halting Dam"
Will create difficulty for Mis-souri to obtain federal money forfuture projects.
6 Jan 77 Globe-Democrat "Opponents of the proposedEditorial Meramec Lake and Dam have used
the Big Lie technique with ex-treme effectiveness. . Theyhave made statements about thelake and dam that are so fraudu-lent that even they at times musthave qualms."
8-9 Jan Globe-Democrat ". rather than show some1977 Editorial leadership on the issue, Eagleton
has chosen to bend like a reed inthe face of. .. anti-Meramecbreeze."
News story Headline: "Building Trades DecryEagleton Dam Stance"
" turning his back on thevast majority of Missourians 4howant - and need - this vitalrecreation area."
9 Jan 77 Post-Dispatch "Eight of the 12 members of theNews story Missouri congressional delega-
tion favor delay of the MeramecDam project."
69
i NIM
1970s
SoreSumary
13 Jan 77 Globe-Democrat Ichord will conduct a Meramec damNews story poll of residents of the three
counties of the project area.Urged the legislature to refuseproposals for a statewide or 13-county referendum.
17 Jan 77 Globe-Democrat Departing President Ford's budgetPost-Dispatch included $10 million for MeramecNews stories construction and $800,000 for
Pine Ford engineering and design.
18 Jan 77 Globe-Democrat "St. Louis Labor Council hasNews story condemned the action of U.S.
Sen. Thomas F. Eagleton, D-Mo.,that stalled money for the Mera-mec Dam project."
21 Jan 77 Globe-Democrat The legislature's proposedNewL story referendum appears in jeopardy
because of strong labor opposi-tion and an unusual ballot thatwould determine public policy.
Post-Dispatch U.S. District Court added aboutNews story $200,000 to the governent's
price figure for a Bourbon,Missouri couple's 650-acre farm- for a total of $585,000.
26 Jan 77 Globe-Democrat Hearing at Jefferson City forPost-Dispatch s of an advisoryNews stories referendum on Meramec dam: They
want a statewide vote. Sponsorof bill thinks it will have abetter chance of passing - aswritten for 13 counties and St.Louis.
7O
ja
1 970a
29-31 Jan Post-Dispatch Headline: "Eagleton Links His1977 Globe-Democrat Support of Meramec Dam to
News stories Referendum"
Reasons: Missouri delegation isdivided, and President Carter isin opposition.
31 Jan 77 Globe-Democrat At the legislature: Opponents toNews story a Meramec referendum to be heard
tomorrow by Senate committee; aHouse bill on a referenduzn to beheard this date.
2 Feb 77 Post-Dispatch Interior urges halt to dum. "WeNews story see no way in which . . . caves
can be impounded without endan-gering the bat habitat." Also,a report is in preparation on thepearly mussel.
2-18 Feb Globe-Democrat Re Missouri legislature and1977 Post-Dispatch Meramec referendum bill in a tug-
News stories of-war: Congressional delegationshould decide on the project;Ichord's reelection a referendum;Senate committee approves bill;Present Missouri lakes competi-tion helped committee to decide;Meramec area senator againstbill; House committee billtabled; both sides oppose a damvote; Senate tabled the bill.
6 Feb 77 Post-Dispatch Sierra Club leader resigned jobNews story in St. Louis corporation and
joined Danforth staff to opposeMeramec.
8 Feb 77 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Ichord's Dam PollNews story Results Due April 1"
71
19TOs
Soure Smarv
10 Feb 77 Globe-Democrat "The Army Corps of EngineersNews story intends to present congressional
testimony in support of a $10million appropriation for con-tinuing construction of theMeramec Park Dam."
12-13 Feb Globe-Democrat Danforth talked to budget1977 Post-Dispatch director re cutting Meramec
News stories money from budget.
19-20 Feb Globe-Democrat Governor Teasdale won't get1977 News story involved in dam dispute.
20 Feb 77 Post-Dispatch Ichord said President Carter willNews story delete funds for Meramec - per
the word from director of budgetoffice.
21 Feb 77 Globe-Democrat. Headlines: "Ichord Vows toPost-Dispatch Return Dam Funds to Budget";News stories "Eagleton Won't Seek Dam Funds"
22 Feb 77 Globe-Democrat Headlines: "Referendum CalledPost-Dispatch Last Hope for Dam"; "Corps toNews stories Halt Meramec Spending"
23 Feb 77 Globe-Democrat Headlines: "Reviving ReferendumPost-Dispatch on Dam Appears Unlikely"; "Dan-News stories forth Praises Carter for Meramec
Dam Stance"
26-27 Feb Globe-Democrat Headline: "Where the Dam Issue* 1977 News story Really Gets Hot"
An article about Sullivan andresidents' pros and cons on theproject.
72
1970s
Data SoL*-ce U y26-27 Feb Post-Dispatch Head of RCGA wrote letter to1977 News story Carter to reconsider reductions(cont.) in plane production at McDonnell-
Douglas and elimination of fundsfor Meramec.
27-28 Feb Post-Dispatch Story of the MeraMec ups-and-1 Mar 77 Special feature in three downs - from the late 150s toarticles date.
1 Mar 77 Globe-Democrat MBA press conference on the dayNews story before in downtcown St. Louis -with a group of "local political,business and labor leaders...to show their support for thetroubled project." Besides MAboard leaders, Participants in-cluded the mayor of St. Louis,board chairman of RCGA, theexecutive of the Building andConstruction Trades Council, thepresiding judgeof CrawfordCounty, and others.
10 Mar 77 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Meramec Dam BenefitsNews story Found to Exceed Costs"
Benefits would exceed all federalcosts by an estimated 30 percent,according to figures compiled bythe Council on ErvirvmentaiQuality. In a report to Congresson behalf of President Carter,the council did not explain whythe Meramec was downgraded asmarginal.
11 Mar 77 Globe-Democrat Re status of Meramec: In thePost-Dispatch Senate the previous day 'DanforthNews stories . • • argued that the Missouriproject should be allowed to re-main halted because of environ-mental, economic and publicopinion reasons."
73
1970a
Sourc Sumar
19 Mar 77 Post-Dispatch Interview with Ichord - Does notNews story object to deferring spending on
Meramec. "There is no reason tospend vast sums. . . until itsfuture is decided."
19-20 Mar Globe-Democrat Ichord announced that the Corps1977 News story plans a new study of the economic
feasibility of hydroelectricpower generation to Meramec.
Rod & Gun column Mid-America Bass Fishermen'sAssociation of 7,000 members haspassed a resolution supportingMeramec.
20 Mar 77 Post-Dispatch Danforth to speak on developmentsNews story concerning Meramec at annual
meeting of the St. Louis Coali-tion for the Environment.
23 Mar 77 District news release Subject: Public meeting to beDistrict file held by the District Engineer at
Sullivan on 3/26 about the Mera-mec project - re the President'srequest to review all Corpsprojects in the fiscal year 1978construction budget request, andto provide an opportunity for thepublic to express views on theredew criteria and proceduresused in the review process.
24 Mar 77 Globe-Democrat Announcements of the publicPost-Dispatch meeting at Sullivan on 3/26, perNews stories the Corps' news release.
25 Mar 77 Globe-Democrat Except for the "endangeredNews story species. . . the gray bat and the
Higgins eye pearly mussel," theMeramec project has "passed allother tests in a just-completedscreening by an administrationteim of officials."
74
1 9TOs
Dat Source summary
25 Mar 77 Post-Dispatch President said that the 30(cont.) News story projects on the "hit list," in-
cluding Meramec, "were not beingkilled. . but merely were being'reassessed' so that their costsand benefits could be deter-mined."
26 Mar 77 Post-Dispatch Danforth's office said that theNews story Corps' statement announcing the
public meeting was inaccurate andmisleading with respect to whythe dam was beIng held up.
Digest of Public Meeting on Registered attendance: approxi-Meramec Park Lake at Sulli- mately 900; estimated attendance:van - 1:00 p.m. 2,000.District file
Written statements: &r - 305;Aainst - 151.
Desiring to speak: Approximately250; available when called on:approximately 100 - 60 oppon-nents, 40 proponents.
Makeup of attqndance:Early oarI of afternoon -apparently about 75% proponents.laterart of afternoon -departure of apparent proponents;remainder opponents, as state-ments indicated.E- departure ofapparent opponents and arrival ofproponents with statements mainlyfor the project.3Verfew expressed any opinionfor or against the reviewcriteria.
Proponents and opponents ex-pressed appreciation to DistrictEngineer for his fairness in con-ducting an orderly meeting.
75
1970s
27-28 Mar Post-Dispatch Re public meeting at Sullivan:1977 Globe-Democrat Headlines: "Cheers, Boos at
News stories Meramec Dam Hearing"; "MarathonDam Hearing Claims No ClearVictor"
29 Mar 77 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Dam Issue Will DoanNews story Danforth, Ichord Says" (at House
appropriations hearing)
At same hearing Danforth said theproject "is not wanted by thevast majority of the people ofmy state."
Post-Dispatch House Budget Committee deletedNews story funds for several water projects,
including Meramec.
30 Mar 77 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Funds for MeramecNews story Restored by Panel"
However, "Decisions by the BudgetCommittee on particular programsare not binding."
Globe-Democrat Meramee dam favored two to oneNews story in poll, Rep. Burlison says-
in his three Basin counties.
30-31 Mar Globe-Democrat Governor Teasdale neutral on dam.1977 Post-Dispatch
News stories
6 Apr 77 Globe-Democrat Ichord's poll in the three coun-News story ties where the lake would be -
backs project 62.5%.
76
1970s
SourceSmmr6-7 Apr Post-Dispatch In Washington, D.C., 100 MBA1977 Globe-Democrat project backers met with Eagle-
News stories ton and presented testimony forappropriation. Eagleton offereda small appropriation to keep theproject alive - in return for anagreement to hold an earlyregional referendum.
13 Apr 77 Globe-Democrat Ichord suggested land acquiredPost-Dispatch for Meramec lake be returned toNews stories former owners if project is
halted by Congress or Carter.
16 Apr 77 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Meramec Funds StillNews story Deleted After Review by Presi-
dent"
17 Apr 77 Post-Dispatch Meramec is not doomed just be-News story cause Carter is- not going to
recommend money for it, saidIchord. The only real barrieris political, he said, promisinga fight in Congress to restorefunds.
30 Apr Post-Dispatch Rep. Gephardt's poll in his1 May 77 Globe-Democrat district shows 53% against
News stories Meramec.
3 May 77 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Meramec Dam FundNews story Voted by House Subcommittee"
Amount of $1C million.
11 May 77 Globe-Democrat The key House chairman on publicNews story works appropriations has warned
that money for future Missouriwater projects is in jeopardy.
77
1 9703
Source Sumar-
11 May 77 The time for a referendum, as(cont.) proposed, is "before a project
has been started so that govern-ment funds are not wasted onprojects that may not be com-pleted."
19 May 77 Globe-Democrat A recently discovered cave atNews story Meramec creates no safety prob-
lem, the Corps has reported.
25-26 May Post-Dispatch Meramec $10 million approved by1977 Globe-Democrat House Appropriations Committee.
9 Jun 77 Globe-Democrat Project will be cut off from newNews story money in the Senate version of
the public works bill - perappropriations subcommittee.
15 Jun 77 Globe-Democrat Headline: "House Ignores Carter,Post-Dispatch Votes Money for Meramec Project"News stories
If the Senate opposes, "the fateof the Meramec project will besettled later in conference be-tween Senate and House Appropria-tions Committee members."
16 Jun 77 Post-Dispatch Senate subcommittee eliminatedNews story fund for Meramec.
23 Jun 77 Globe-Democrat Senate Appropriations CommitteePost-Dispatch voted "to eliminate 8 of the 17News stories water projects that the House had
approved over White House objec-tions, including the Meramec"being eliminated.
78
.... . . . . .. -. . . . -
V
1970s
DaeSourceSumr
5 Jul 77 Globe-Democrat "The Senate has passed and sentNews story to a conference committee a.
bill that would finance 9 of the18 dam-building projects opposedby Mr. Carter. . . Funds for theMeramec Dam are included in theHouse bill, but not in the Senateversion."
18 Jul 77 Globe-Democrat "Opponents of the lake and dam inEditorial Congress claim that its benefit-
cost ratio is not sufficient towarrant approval of further fundseven though the latest calcula-tions show it would return atleast $1 .50 for every $1invested."
20-21 Jul Post-Dispatch "House and Senate conferees1977 Globe-Democrat agreed. . . to delete funds for
News stories the controversial Meramec Damproject" and eight others.
these projects will beopen for consideration by con-gressional committees next yearand have not been de-authorized."
21 Jul 77 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Ichord Gives Up HopeNews story for Funds to Revive Meramec Dam
Project"
23-24 Jul Globe-Democrat Referred to water supply problems1977 Editorial in the Basin and an economic blow
to the state.
24 Jul 77 Post-Dispatch "That the St. Louis area needsOutdoors column the recreation that the Meramec
can provide never has been dis-puted. The dispute. ., is overwhat type of recreation should beprovided and its cost to the en-vironment, to the public treasuryand to private ownership ofland."
7;
1970s
26 Jul 77 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Congress Votes toNews story Drop Meramec Dam Project"
Action by both House and Senateapproving the conference commit-tee agreement.
27 Jul 77 Post-Dispatch "Might there not still be soundEditorial public use for much of the public
land other than for a reservoir?. . . The fact is that the lakeitself would have occupied lessthan half the area taken forpublic use, and that use featuresrecreation. .. Outdoor recrea-tion remains in short supply inthis metropolitan area. . . Con-gress should not wash its handsof the Meramec simply by haltingfunds for the long-planned lake."
1-9 Aug Globe-Democrat, The Meramec referendum again:1977 Post-Di:Fpatch Ichord after Teasdale for a
News stories and editorials referendum; Sierra Club afterTeasdale for DNR doing a waterstudy - and no referendum;Globe-Democrat after Teasdale fora referendum; Eagleton afterTeasdale for a referendum; Post-Dispatch questions whether refer-endum would decide anything;Teasdale - no referendum bill inthe special session Ptarting 8/10- but an open mind for a bill inthe regular session in January.
8 Aug 77 Post-Dispatch Headline: "National Energy,News analysis story Water Needs Could Revive Meramec
Dan Project"
80
1970s
15 Aug 77 Globe-Democrat MBA meeting in Fenton withPost-Dispatch attendance of about 300. Rep.News stories Burlison and Rep. Young were
speakers at the meeting - bothemphasized Meramec Reservoirvalues: water supply, floodcontrol, recreational andeconomic benefits.
Burlison pointed out two waterprojects in the Basin were aliveand financed: Council BluffLake in Mark Twair NationalForest (U.S. Forest Service) andthe Corps' Pine Ford project inJefferson County.
27 Aug 77 Post-Di spatch Meeting of proponents in theNews Story Sullivan area with a new Meramec
plan in mind: The use of Meramecdam as an answer to future watersupply - through the ust of aconservancy district approach byarea voters.
31 Aug 77 Globe-Democrat Commendation to 1,200 volunteersEditorial who are out again for the annual
Operation Clean Stream cleanup ofthe Meramec, Big and BourbeuseRivers.
23 Sep 77 Post-Dispatch Re Upper Bourbeuse River: HandyArticle by hunting and - close to St. Louis. Attrac-fishing columnist tive and has good fishing.
"Union Dam. . . would flood 36miles of the middle part of theriver, including the lower partof the prime floating water..no more popular among conserva-tionists and canoeists thanMeramec Dam."
81
1970s
Data Source Summary
27 Sep 77 Letter of transmittal Contract for study awarded toMeramec River Basin Water University of Missouri-Rolla.Supply Study
28 Sep 77 Globe-Democrat Corps contract with University ofPost-Dispatch Missouri-Rolla for study of waterNews stories supply needs in the Basin for the
next 100 years. Could possiblyapply to Meramec reservoir if re-vived, and to be useful in pre-construction planning of PineFord.
4 Oct 77 Globe-Democrat "The University of Missouri-RollaEditorial water study on the Meramec Basin
should provide the definitivedata needed to make long-rangewater management decisions in thebasin. . If these findingsturn out as proponents of theMeramec Park Lake and Dam hopethey will, they could be used asa springboard to revive the nowdormant project."
Further comments on Meramecbenefits versus costs, economicimpact, and indicated support.
11 Oct 77 Post-Dispatch "Sewage from most of south St.News story Louis County would no longer
enter the Meramec River under a$120 million collection andtreatment plan proposed by theMetropolitan Sewer District.The sewage project is not linkedto the controversial Meramec Damor to waste-water disposal prob-lems being studied on the upperMeramec River."
82
1970s
DaeSource Summary
26-27 Nov Globe-Democrat Re MBA president and executive1977 News story giving up full-time work for the
association, but continuing onthe board.
Dec 1977 Letter of transmittal - Re study: Institute of River12/3/79 - Meramec River Studies at University ofBasin Water Supply Study Missouri-Rolla held informational
briefing for Corps, state andfederal agencies, and legisla-tors.
2 Dec 77 Globe-Democrat MBA will continue to pushNews story Congress for the Meramec reser-
voir and seek money for otherfederal water projects in thebasin.
30 Dec 77 Globe-Democrat Metropolitan Sewer District:News story Re next seven to 10 years, spend-
ing over $400 million involvingMississippi, Missouri and Meramecwatersheds The Meramec sewerproject will preserve the streamfor recreation, swimming andsource of drinkidng water.
12 Feb- Globe-Democrat Re Meramec reservoir: A con-26 Oct 77 Post-Dispatch siderible decline in letters -
Letters to the editor from 68 in 1q76 to 14 in 1977 -with those "for" (8) mostly re-ferring to recreation needs;those "against" (6) essentiallyjust opposed, or projecting thatattitude.
15 Jan 78 Post-Dispatch Re a public meeting on plans forNews story a corridor of parks lining the
lower Meramec in St. Louis County- sponsored by the Coalition forthe Environment.
8 1
AD-A1417843 A MERAMEC CHRONOLO00 OF THE8CORPS3OF)ENGINEERS ANDMISSOURI'S MERAMEC BASIN 180-1983 (U ARM YENG INE ERDISTRICT ST LOUISMO JF GAMBLEMAY 84
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em
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I IIi I I I II : :'--
A
1970s
18-19 Jan Post-Dispatch Re authorizing a referendum:1978 Globe-Democrat Missouri Senate committee passed
News story a bill out for a nonbinding ad-, visory vote on the eramec* -reservoir. Proponents of the dam
supported the bill. Opponents ofthe dam testified against areferendum. Nine counties andthe City of St. Louis would bethe voting area.
21-22 Jan Globe-Democrat Meramec was omitted from Carter's1978 News story budget. Ichord said a favorable
referendum vote would bringfinancing by Congress.
26 Jan 78 Globe-Democrat Re referendum: Whatever theEditorial outcome, a referendum should be
held. This is the best way toresolve this long-standingdispute.
Post-Dispatch Re referendum: Eagleton willNews story support Meramec if voters approve
in a regional referendum.
Danforth would reconsider hisopposition only if a statewidereferendu showed approval.
29 Jan 78 Post-Dispatch Re referendum: A referendumEditorial should be regional, not state-
wide. The project is a regionalmatter for decision by the peopleof the area.
30 Jan- Globe-Democrat Re Mermec Dum: Er - 25 -18 Aug 78 Post-Dispatch essentially favoring area economy
Letters to the editor and recreation; Aana - 33- want the river in its naturalstate and no big expenditures.
.... ... " J .PA
Vl
31 Jan 78 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Senate Os DamPost-Dispatch Referendum"News stories
The House has some questions -and passage in time for an April4 election vote doesn't look toogood.
1 Feb 78 Globe-Democrat Don' t stall Meramec referendum.Editorial
1-2 Feb Post-Dispatch Corps closes facilities at1978 Globe-Democrat Meramec Park - restriction of
News stories funds.
3 Feb 78 Globe-Democrat Review of economic conditions inSpecial feature the Sullivan area due to iron
mine layoff, and the need forimproved conditions which includeplanning for increased watersupply and getting Meramec reser-voir into action again.
11-12 Feb Globe-Democrat House committee chairman won't1978 News story expediLt. the referendum bill in
time to get it passed for anApril 4 election day. Reasons:cwtinuing disagreemmnt over thetime and eligible areas for thevote; a number of members of thecommittee have to devote time towork on the Howe version of thestate budget.
21 Feb 78 Post-Dispatch House comittee reported splitNews story but nearing decision on
referendum.
28 Feb 78 Post-Dispatch House comttee endorseslNWS, story refereftu with a ahanmo in the
voting area - addtng thme mreaomntiea.
' ' 85
1970s
Sourc n~15 Mar 78 Globe-Democrat "One important factor in support
Editorial of completing construction of theMeramec Lake and Dam project haslacked emphasis thus far. Thatextremely vital aspect is thehydropower potential in theMeramec Basin."
4 Apr 78 Post-Dispatch Headline: "House Clears MeramecNews story Dam, Referendum"
Providing for 12 counties and St.Louis City as the voting area;the election day to be August 8,1978
5 Apr 78 Globe-Democrat The Missouri Senate passed thePost-Dispatch eramec referendum bill asNews stories amended by the House; the bill
to the governor.
6 Apr 78 Globe-Democrat The Missouri General AssemblyPost-Dispatch has done its duty to the votersEditorials . . . by giving them a chance to
decide the issue.
12-13 Apr Post-Dispatch Headline: "Teesdale Signs Mbra-1978 Globe-Democrat me Dam Referendum"
News stories
16 Apr 78 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Now Comes Time toNews story Sway Voters on Marw ec Dan"
8 May 78 Post-Dispatch In Washington, D.C., HouseNes story subooitte puts $12 million
for Mermec construction in abudget recomendation sent tothe Houme Appropriations Ca-Ndttee.
86
1970s
2=a~ 5urce an26 May 78 Globe-Democrat Re Endangered Species Act: The
Editorial Meramec has had its share ofproblems on that. Unrestrainedtactics of bureaucrats and en-viromentalists should be curbedand balanced with the economicgrowth and development of thenation.
"If Congress fails to clearlyspell out the limits of the law,the only endangered species ulti-mately may be human beings."
1 Jun 78 Globe-Democrat House Appropriations CommitteePost-Dispatch approved $12 million constructionNews stories money for Meramec. Has an under-
standing with Ichord on cancella-tion of the money if the referen-dum on 8/8 is negative.
11 May 78 Globe-Democrat Approved thn $12 million appro-Editorial priation item for Neramec. If
referendum approves the project,money for it will already be inthe public worf bill. If de-flated, ealer to tuim a aoeyitem out of the bill than to in-sart one in an advauoed stale ofthe legislation.
June 78 Letter of tranomttal - Re study: Institute of River12/3/79 - Nermec River Studies at University ofBasin Water Supply Study Hissouri-RoLla held inforam-
tionl briefing for Corp, sta.-and federal agencies, and 1ea..)~ators.
4 Jun 78 Post-Dispetch MSA and allied supporters can-News story sider raising and spending
$1r74,.000 to P u votra toSuppot n i the 8/8reaoxS
1 9708
L4 Jun 78 Editorial Re Heramec Dami: "We have(Cont.) believed that the benefits of the
project would outweigh the ri~4nof significant portions of theMeranec and two of its tribu-taries, the Huzah and Courtois.Times change; circumstanceschange; we have changed. We now
'nk that the interests of thisariJ future generations would bebest served by preserving thesestrean.."
10 Jun 78 '4ost-Dispatch Headline: "Spending Bil~l FacesNews story Veto Over Water Projects Issue"
(including the Merunec condi-tional $12 .illion)
12 Jun 78 Globe-Deimocrat "President Cart&' s born-againEditorial decision to revise his adeninis-
tration's policy on federal waterprojects is as welomei as springrain on perched groumd.w
He "'should reconsider his, standan the Meremse Lake and Da, re-serving finl judment untilUme outcome of' the Aug. 8referendu.
Post-Dispatch "...the administration wouldEditorial establish a staff of experts to
review the worth Of projets...he is headed in the right direc-tion."
13 Jun 78 Post-Dispetch Re 1979 public works appropria-4MNws story tion bill in the Hose: Admin-
istration to try to delete moneyfor Merme and seven otherprojects.
86
1970s
16 Jun 78 Globe-Democrat Headlines: "Meranec Dam SurvivesPost-Dispatch House Fight"; "House Votes FundsNews stories for Meraec Dam, 7 Other
Projects"
19 Jun T8 Globe-Democrat Engineers Club of St. LouisSpecial feature produces two reports on the
eramec: Pro and Con. Coverthe same things that everyoneelse has been referring to -either yes or no, and why orwhy not - with respect to floodcontrol, water supply, recrea-tion, the economy of the area,et cetera, et alii.
23 Jun T8 Post-Dispatch Eagleton after Senate financingNews story of Meramec, as in the House:
Conditioned on approval ofMeramec in the referendum.
25 Jun 78 Post-Dispatch Re referendum campaign:Feature story Headline: "Mail, Phone Barrages
Mount in Dam War"
28 Jum T8 Globe-Duamorat MBA sponsoring a $50-a-plate,Nams story fuind raising dinner.
30 Jun T8 Globe-Democrat Corps' Director of Civil WorksNews story asked Seate subco ttee to
delete mon for five proJecta,inludLing the Merme. Askedwhy the next day, he said, "Weare a part of the executivebranch and must present thepresidential views. r don'twant an article to indicate thatthere is some compulsion in this.It is a normal procedure."
It
1970s
DataS
2 Jul 78 Post-Dispatch Lengthy article based essentiallyNews story on anti-dam group attitude and
statements of criticism that theCorps is not opposing Meramecproject although it is on a listof opposition by the White House.
3 Jul 78 Globe-Democrat Carter administration effortsNews story against Merumec - based on cam-
paign promises, not objective.criteria: per MBA. Informationcame from a presidential advisorspeaking at a meeting of theWater Resources Congress in 3/77.The advisor was asked by an MBAmember if Meramec being on thepresident's list was due to notmeeting the required criteria orwas on the basis of a campignpromise. Anstier: A campaignpromise.
5 Jul 78 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Neramec Park a GoodEditorial Investment"
* ... a well-qualified panel. . . reviewed the project lastyear at President Carter' s direc-tion. . . The panel. . . inaddition to finding the projecthas a favorable cost-benefitratio of 1.5 to 1, also judgedthe project favorable on environ-IM . -1 and safety wounds."
9 Jul 78 Post-Dispatch Re question of a Mrmec vote inNes story Kansas City and Jackson Couwty:
Sierra Club group sues the elec-tion boards of the city andcounty to have a preferentialvote on the ballot at the 8/8priary.
90
1970s
9 Jul 78 Post-Dispatch "The fish kill at the Corps of(cont.) News story Engineers, Truman Dam at Warsaw,
Mo., and environmental damagecaused by another Corps dam atStockton, Mo., should make thepublic question the merits of theproposed Meramec Dam and otherwater projects, says Sen. John C.Danforth, R-Mo."
11 Jul 78 Globe-Democrat Engineers Club of St. Louis comesSpecial feature out with follow-up rebuttals per
their Pro and Con of June 19.
13 Jul 78 Globe-Democrat Opponents of Meramec are doingEditorial their utmost to confuse and mis-
lead voters on the 8/8 referen-dum: Deception and inaccuracyused with respect to availabilityat present of suitable waters forrecreation close to St. Louis,the much smaller number of peoplewho cou] . use the eramec areawithout lake waters, the actuallack of recreational facilitieswithout Meramec Lake.
16 Jul 78 Post-Dispatch Anti-dm 100-second film ad atNews story 40 St. Louis theaters. Pro-dam
advertising: Radio spots.
21 Jul 78 Glob.-Democrat Proponents of MWeM Park DanNews story and Lake have c hal lenged oppo-
nents of the project to provetheir claim that the dun wouldbe unsafe and is unnecessary forarea water supplies. Result:No answers.
22-23 Jul Globe-Demoomnt Like the Civil War, dam disputeSeries story splits fadlea.
L 91
19703
DaaSource
23 Jul 78 Post-Dispatch Re Meramec economic values:Series story Reflection of opinions from a
cross-section of eraec areabusiness and resident people -
economy yes and no; recreationyes and no; water supply yes andno.
24 Jul 78 Globe-Democrat "For years certain leaders of theEditorial opposition to the Meramec Park
Lake and Dam project have madeunsubstantiated charges that thedam would be unsafe and would beunnecessary to supplement watersupplies in the Meramec Basin. . . Last week two of theleading opponents were challengedto prove their claims. But giventhis golden opportunity, theydeclined.
Globe-Democrat Meramec Park: Lake or heritageSeries story riverway? Lake: 1.6 benefits
to 1.0 costs, including floodreduction, water supply, recrea-tion, economic development, etc.Heritage rverowav rilan: Con-servation, recreation, agricul-ture, flood control, and costreduction. The plan wouldeliminate water supply, low flouaugmentation, area reorientation,and navigation.
24-a Jul Post-Dispatch Coservation Comuission of His-1978 Globe-Dumoorat souri votes against dam - "on
News stories the basis of its responsibilityfor protecting the state's fishand wildlife resources."
I92
Vi
1970s
25 Jul 78 Globe-Democrat Proponents of the dam claim itSeries story would insure future residential
water supplies and boost currentsupplies to a level that wouldattract industry. Opponents saythe water supply issue isinvalid.
26 Jul 78 Post-Dispatch "The unanimous decision of theEditorial Mo. Conservation Commission to
oppose construction of theMeramec Dam adds significantlyto the strength of the argumentagainst proceeding with theproject."
Globe-Democrat Headline: "Water Supply forSeries story Growing Population Key Dam Issue"
Comparison of proposed Merameclake water supply to the RendLake Conservancy District waterplant in southern Illinois.
Post-Dispatch Headline: "Flood Control:Series story Dam's Purpose"
Article on the pluses and Minusesof flood control by d=3s - withCorps co ents for and SierraClub comments against.
27 Jul 78 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Maramec Park Dam:Series story A Wise Investment?"
"In every graduating high schoolclas in this country, there aretwo or three extraordinarypeople. They're the ones thatprovide the leadership for theeinunity. . . Around here, they
have to leave. There are no jobsfor then." (Cient of a Sulli-van businmsmn)
93
19TOs
28 Jul 78 Post-Dispatch Headline. "Suit Filed to Pro-News story hibit Columbia from Voting on
Meramec Dam"
Story from Columbia, Missouri.Businessman sues: Vote illegalon issues not affecting Columbiaand Boone County.
Globe-Democrat Headline: "Dam's Effect onSeries entry Environment Disputed"
QnnonZt contend that lakewould destroy Meramec River andcause massive environmentaldamage.
Propnents say there would bea "trade-off" of some environ-mental changes for the benefitsof the lake, and'.parts of theenvironment would be improved.
29-30 Jul Globe-Democrat Headline: "'It Would Provide1978 Series story Recreation for All,' Dam Backers
Say"
SM: "It is one of the bestplanned lake projects in thecountry because the public hasbeen a strong part of the plan-ning process since the early1960s."
Si.;th: "Missourianswant to preserve their Ozarkstreams and their Ozarkheritage."
News story Headline: "Meramec Project GetsBoost"
Senate subeemmittee conditionallyapproved $12 million for Merucoonstruction - depending on a"yes vote in the 8/8 refame..
I gTOs
Sourc umr30 Jul 78 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Dam Would Damn Caves,
News story Owner Says"
Article applying mostly toOnondaga Cave at Leasburg.Meramec Caverns (below the damsite) and Onondaga are two of themost popular commercial caves inthe nation.
Post-Dispatch The National Water ResourcesNews story Association, a water projects
lobbying group with membershipfrom 18 western states: "NWRAbelieves that water projects area wise and profitable investmentin the continued development ofAmerica."
Series story Article on reservoir watersupply, with the continuatio. ofproponents yes, opponents no:It's needed - it's not needed,in the Sullivan area. It'sneeded - it's not needel, down-stream in Jefferson County.
31 Jul 78 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Punches Harder in DamNews story Dispute's Final Round"
Article on the proponents andopponents raising money, adver-tising and making appearances onradio and TV. Also camentaryon labor and business not pro-viding as much support for theproject as expected.
Globe-Democrat Headline: "Floods: The QuietSeries story Dam Issue"
"Flood control is considered tobe q42 of th project's totalbenefits. . . The debate overflood control benefits is notso well-defined as the i&uje ofrecreation."
95
1970s
31 Jul 78 Article continues the pre-(cont.) referendu pro and con comments;
refers to Corps' statements onflood examples and control.
Post-Dispatch Article on Missouri Chapter ofNews story Americans for Democratic Action:
Endorsements of candidates andits opposition to constructionof Meramec dam.
1 Aug 78 Globe-Democrat Article mostly a review ofSeries story elected politicians' support and
opposition to the Meramec (par-ticularly as shown in the pastseveral years' chronologicalnotes).
Post-Dispatch Article on what the basic think-Series story ing is on each side of the dam
question: Prone - "Weknow for a fact Meramec Park Lakewill improve the enviroment."Opponents - "The wildlife andthe scenery are the very thingsthat are important to thepeople."
3 Aug 78 Post-Dispatch "There is perhaps no issue in theSe-ies story eramec dam dispute where the two
sides so clearly butt heads as onthe issue of recreation. .. Inthe most simple terms, it pitsthe canoeists against the power-boaters."
The article expanded with thecomments of MBA and Sierra Club.
4 Aug 78 Post-Dispatch "If you plan to vote to destroyOutdoors column Huzzah Creek Tuesday, you really
ought to see it first so you knowwhat you are doing. . . Nowhereanywhere elso in the world arethere Oiark streis.*
96
19703
Source Summa
5-6 Aug Globe-Democrat Headline: "Vote 'Yes' on the1978 Editorial Meramec"
"Those who claim people don'tneed Meramec Park Lake and Damare willing to condemn residentsof the basin to a zero-growthfuture, and gamble that anotherdeluge on the order of the 1915Meramec River flood won't occurin the future. This is likeplaying Russ.an roulette."
News story Headline: "Columbia to Vote onMeramec Dam"
"Boone County Circuit Judge...denied the injunction againstthe only preference vote sched-uled in the state outside theMeramec River area."
News story Headline: "Meramec Vote amongKey Issues"
"Voters in a 12-county area andthe city of St. Louis will voteon the question: 'Shall theMeramee Dam and Meramee ParkLake be constructed?'*
6 Aug 78 Post-Dispatch With three stories, a column,2 news stories and almost half of the editorial1 series story page on a Meramec "no," the Post-Outdoors coluMn Dispatch covered the subject.A 7 election issueslong editorial
8 Aug 78 Globe-Dmorat "The state Conservation Depart-Post-Dispatch ment will begin a four-yearNews stories study on recreational use of the
MrwMe. . . later this month."Study will include the Bourbuseand Big Rivers.
97
£
1970s
Source Sumary
8 Aug 78 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Dam May Be Ballot's(cont.) News story Big Draw"
Article refers to the issues andoffices to be voted on, with aballot list of the paper's en-dorsements - including "yes" toconstruction of Meramec Park Lakeand Dam.
9 Aug 78 Globe-Democrat Meramec Dam and Lake plan isPost-Dispatch rejected by voters almost 2 to 1.News stories
In a joint statement, Eagletonand Danforth said they will in-troduce legislation "to deauthor-ize the Meramec Park Lake projectimmediately."
Post-Dispatch "Let the Heramec, the Huzzah andEditorial Courtois run free. That is the
message that voters in St. Louisand 12 eramecBasin countiessent to Washingtdn."
10 Aug 78 Globe-Democrat "The vote against the MeraecEditorial project is viewed largely as a
vote against federal spending forsuch developments. . . The unof-ficial tabulation, with all pre-cincts reported . . . Er -148,078; Aaa= - 256,703.
Post-Dispatch Headline: "'Great Land Grab' IsNews story Predicted as Dam Vote Result"
Question of what to do withMeramec land: For some federalagency to get it; or the state;or a non-dam alternative use;or the former landowners gettingit back; or what else.
98
1970s
Date Source m a
11 Aug 78 Globe-Democrat Senate withdraws $12 millionPost-Dispatch eamarked for Meramec Dam.News stories
Post-Dispatch Headline: "Crawford CountyNews story Residents Want to Buy Back Dam
Land"
News story "Anti-goverrment sentiment wasthe biggest factor in the lop-sided vote Tuesday against theMeramec dam project, observerson both sides of the issue say."
13 Aug 78 Post-Dispatch More work still needed to saveOutdoors column the Meramec - from being over-
used and abused.
News story Article discusses the pluses andminuses, and alternatives, withrespect to the Sierra Club'sMeramec Heritage Riverway Plan.
17 Aug 78 Globe-Democrat MBA proposes federal governmentPost-Dispatch do a study "that develops anNews stories alternate plan for the best
utilization and conservation ofthe resources of the area."
18-20 Aug Post-Dispatch Ex-owners want MeraM*C land1978 Globe-Democrat back. Farmers, businessmn join-
News stories ing to push for dam land.
. '}[99
20 Aug 78 Post-Dispatch Headline: "The Future of theEditorial Meramec"
"Energy and attention can beturned to alternative uses forthe project area and to recrea-tional uses of the river down-stream. Individually or jointly,these present a challenge both tothe opponents and the supportersof the dam. . . It would be anextraordinarily constructive andfarsighted step if they were tonow join forces to help plan thefuture of the eramec."
23 Aug 78 Post-Dispatch A long letter with the followingLetter to the editor heading: "The Referendum: 'The
Last Best Hope of Democracy'"
29-30 Aug Post-Dispatch St. Louis County supervisor1978 Globe-Democrat proposes acquisition of nearly
News stories 1,000 acres of parkland alongthe lower Meramec River.
30 Aug 78 Post-Dispatch "Suprvisor's proposal PresentsEditorial the County Council with an oppor-
tunity at one stroke to improvepublic recreation resources inSt. Louis County and to enhancethe protection of the river."
14 Sep 78 Globe-Dumoorat Eagleton and Denforth are beingmes story urged by dam foes not to have
the Corps study alternatives toMetns dam.
18 Sep 78 Globe-Demoorat "There is no great ground swellEditorial for develommt of an alternate
plan despite the claims of the
dam opponents.
100
19703
Pate Source umr
22 Sep 78 Post-Dispatch "The St. Louis County CouncilNews story voted 5-2 Thursday to authorize
the purchase of nearly 1 ,000acres of land along the MeramecRiver for additional countyparks."
26-27 Sep Post-Dispatch Eagleton and Danforth introduce1978 Globe-Democrat bill for deauthorization of
News stories Meramec Dam and requesting astudy by Corps of use of theland.
Jan 1979 Letter of transmittal - Re study: Institute of River12/3/79 - Meramec River Studies at University ofBasin Water Supply Study Missouri-Rolla held informa-
tional briefing for Corps, stateand federal agencies, and legis-lators, during which the draftreport was released.
2 Feb 79 Post-Dispatch Re Council Bluff Lake on upperNews story Big River - U.S. Forest Service:
Contract awarded for buildingdam - with outlet tunnel andintake towers having been con-structed in 1975.
5 Feb 79 Globe-Democrat Re lower Meramec: InteriorNews story Department grants $845,000 to
St. Louis County and the statefor matching - to purchase 928acres for three areas to be usedfor recreation.
Apr 1979 District file Mad: Rainfall fron 3.03to 5.25 inches over area -8-12 Apr. Crest at Eureka14 Apr - 33.4.
Apr 1979 Letter of tranmittal - The final briefing, at which12/3/79 - Meramec River time review comments were re-Basin Water Supply Study calved for consideration when
preparing the final report.
101
V1
19703
. Date
15 Jun 79 Meramec River Basin Study finished by Institute ofWater Supply Study River Studies at University of
Missouri-Rolla.
The study is in six volumeswith text, graphs, lists,tables, maps, and charts-totaling over 1,500 pages.
"The issue which is central tothis study is water for watersupply. During most years,streamflow is more than enoughfor anticipated needs. Short-ages are likely to occur onlyduring severe droughts which,on the average, are infrequentevents. Impoundments for watersupply would be used to amel-iorate the effects of droughtdownstream, bt-.would otherwisehave minimal effect on thenatural flow regimen of theriver." (Volume 2, p. 286)
31 Oct 79 Letter of transmittal - Final report of study actually12/3/79 - Meramec River completed. (Report carriesBasin Water Supply Study date of 6/15/79.)
3 Dec 79 Letter of tranittal from Re Marmeo River Basin Waterthe District Engineer Supply Study: "This report was
prepared by the Institute ofRiver Studies, University ofMissouri-Rolla, under contract. . . with the St. LouisDistrict. . . We believe thatthe public interest would bebest served by planning forcontingency supplies, to allowfor uncertainties in predictingfuture events. . . The report'sanalyses will be of great helpas we define acceptable levelsof risk through public partici-pation and coordination withvarious agencies and governingbodies."
102
J,, I I i IA M "
1 980 To 1983
WHAT TO DO NOW?
198Os
=2t souseSM r
24 Jul 80 Post-Dispatch Re public hearing by DNR onNews story flood damage in the lower Meramec
River area: Property owners toldthe state planners that removalof riverside cottages would beone way to control flood damage.
11-12 Jan Post-Dispatch Re Onondaga Cave: The Nature1981 Globe-Democrat Conservancy organization will buy
News stories the cave with two miles of river-front - and resell it to thestate.
24 May 81 Post-Dispatch Key members of Missouri Congres-News story sional delega'tin disagree on
what to do with land bought forMeramec Park Lake.
June 1981 Out of Harm's Way State of Missouri, the UpperLower Meramec Valley Flood Mississippi River Basin Conmis-Damage Reduction Study si3n, and the U.S. Water Re-Suamiry Report sources Council agreed on the •
need for this special study offlood plain managmient, aimed atreducing future flood damages.
16-17 Jul Post-Dispatch Question: What to do with Mara-1981 Globe-Democrat mec lands and what alternatives
News stories are there for a dam or no dom.
Senators Eagleton and Danforth.Reps. Toung and Bailey are all inthe news about what to do.
4 103
17 Jul 81 Post-Dispatch DNR says the senators' MeramecNews story deauthorization bill would give
20 of the land to the state andprotect critical natural, recrea-tional and cultural resources ofthe riverway - and bring sometourism to the area. Rep.Bailey's deauthorization billcalls for a study on what to dowith the land.
19 Jul 81 Post-Dispatch The MBA and Sierra Club re actionNews story on the project: =I -r water
supply being ignored. aierra- that has already been studied.
Post-Dispatch Re erame deauthorization: "ItEditorial should be deauthorized - not
solely to prevent some futuredam, but to protect the riveritself."
Bill would give the state up to5,122 acres for conservation andrecreation purposes, with a pro-tective easement along the river.
24-5 Jul Post-Dispath Hkering by Senate subcmoittee on1981 Globe-Democrat Missouri senators' Merame
News stories deauthorization bill.
31 Jul. 81 Post-Dispatch District Engineer met Rep. YoungNews story in June in Washington, D.C., at
Toung's request for informationwith respect to the deauthoriza-tion of Mermec project.
District Engineer said the Corpshas a policy of neutrality onwhether to deauthorize the proj-ect. The meeting did not violatethe policy, he said, because heonly presented facts and did notdrew conolusions.
104
1980s
31 Jul 81 With the District Engineer was(cont.) the Meramec project coordinator
and a former District Engineerinvited by Young.
6 Aug 81 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Corps Head AppeasesNews story Eagleton about Briefing Young on
Dam"
Chief of Engineers discussed thematter with Eagleton, who hadbeen angry about it. After thediscussion he said he was satis-fied and would have no furthercoalment.
The Chief had said that theDistrict Engineer had a duty torespond to requests such asYoung's for facts and engineer-ing analyses.
9 Aug 81 Post-Dispatch Proponents of a dam on theNews story Meramec campaign to convince
politicians and the public thatone is necessary to providewater for Jefferson County.
rn a letter to Danforth, thedirector of the Institute ofRiver Studies urged that ascaled-down version of theoriginal dam be authorized toaugment the Basin water supply.
10-11 Aug Post-Dispatch Re Out 0H Harm, s Way, tory1981 Globe-Democrat study report: Has produced
News stories recomndations for federal orstate purchases of privatelyheld land in the river's floodplain, controls on quarrying,dredging operations, floodpreparations, bark stabiliza-tion, etM.
105
198Os
DatSourceS
18 Aug- Globe-Democrat Re Merumec dam - water supply,7 Dec 81 Post-Dispatch flood control, recreation,
Letters to the editor economics: I= - 8;IQ- 9.
11 Aug 81 Globe-Democrat Headlines: "Eagleton Defends HisNews story Efforts to Kill Meramec Dam
Project"; "Outstate PoliticiansWarn of Potential Water Crisis"
16 Aug 81 Post-Dispatch Re Out of Harm's Way: ".Editorial for both political and economic
reasons, the proposals will notbe easy to carry out."
Post-Dispatch "The consulting engineer forNews story water districts in Jefferson
County believes that the MeraecDam is needed for the county'swater supply., .-. The engineer
has written a letter tothat effect, and the letter isbeing circulated to members ofCongress."
31 Aug- Globe-Democrat From a talk for water supply1 Sep 81 Post-Dispatch forums in the Basin in Crawford,
News stories Franklin, Jefferson, and Washing-ton Counties: Construction ofone or more reservoirs is thebest alternative to meetingproblems caused by water short-ages in the Merame River Basin- director of the Institute ofRiver Studies, University ofMissouri-Rolla.
1 Sep 81 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Company ForeseesNews story Meramea Water Shortages,
Increased water demands from newcustomers will cause St. Louis
'County Water Company to pumpanother 10 million gallons a dayfrinthe Mermae River over therext 12 years.
106
1980w
Source Ion8 Oct 81 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Bailey May Drop
News story Effort for Meramec Dam Accord"
Having a problem in organizinga meeting with Reps. Young,Volkner and Emerson.
16 Oct 81 Globe-Democrat Article reviewing the fiveSpecial feature proposed mainstream dams in the
Corps' Basin plan - and the prosand cons. Also refers to publichearings 10/27 and 10/28 atEureka and DeSoto - about PineFord dam.
20-21 Oct Post-Dispatch Senate committee approved Meramec1981 Globe-Democrat deauthorization bill.
News stories
21-22 Oct Post-Dispatch Rep. Young supports deauthoriza-Globe-Democrat tion but opposes both the HouseNews stories and Senate bills because they do
not address the issues of ade-quate water supply or floodcontrol for the Basin.
4-5 Nov Globe-Democrat Re Pine Ford hearing at aotoPost-Dispatch 10/28/81: Most said they areNews stories worried about water shortages
and flood control, but wonderedwhether Pine Ford is the solutionto either of these problems,especially since high levels ofpoisonous lead and oadmiun r*-cantly found in the Big River umymake its water unsuitable fordrinking.
Spokesmen for Eagleton andDanforth said the senators wouldoppose any attmlpts to buildPin Ford.
107 , ' '.
1 980s
ZourceSu r19 Nov 81 Post-Dispatch U.S. Senate approved the bill
News story deauthorizing the proposedMeramec River dam.
20 Nov 81 Post-Dispatch While it has taken the SenateEditorial this long to conclude that the
project ought to be deauthorized,it may take the House until nextyear to consider the matter.
Bailey calls for a one-yearstudy on what to do with theland, and Young wants furtherconsideration of water supplyand flooding.
24. Nov 81 Globe-Democrat House has moved to deauthorizePo t-Dispatch Meramec dam. Approval cul-News stories Minated a weekend of nearly
nonstop negotiating by Rep.Young, who assembled a compro-mise on the issue:
Changes in the bill: Providesfunding for lower Meramec floodreduction; water supply study;governor to determine amount ofland to go to the state - a-inImuM of 3,382 acres and a
ama ima of 5,122; refusal of theland if the Missouri legislaturewishes; remaining land to beoffered to previous owners;easement along the Meramec,Huzzah and Courtois.
27 Nov 81 Post-Dispatch Re Meramec deauthorization:Editorial The main point to the measure
is to end the long controversyover the Meramec project.
108
* 1 .
1 9805
17 Dec 81 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Congress Passes BillNews story to Kill Meramec Dam"
30 Dec 81 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Reagan's Pen KillsNews story Meramec Dan Project"
12 Jan 82 Globe-Democrat "A state plan to take over con-News story trol of 4,800 acres of the aban-
doned Meramec Dam project areaand restrict commercial use ofpart of the remaining land hasaroused resentment among legis-lators that could jeopardizethe plan. The GeneralAssembly has until April 30 tostop the plan but cannot change
r it."
State parks director says it canbe revised by his agency (DNR).
16-17 Jan Globe-Democrat Corps will begin to coordinate1982 News story disposal of Meramec land at a
meeting in Sullivan on 1/25.
17 Jan 82 Post-Dispatch Supports state plan for land toEditorial be taken from Meramea dam proj-
ect. Says ban on some commercialuses, and easements to protectthe river and its banks arenecessary to prevent "misuse ofa lovely natural resource and toprotect it for public enjoyment."
22 Jan 82 Post-Dispatch Outrage directed to those whoLetter to the editor would deny the proise of a pro-
tected Mermuec River.
109
/175111hlh'ffih
1 9803
23-24 Jan Globe-Democrat Re state plan for the Merumec1982 Special feature dam land It is acquiring:
"State proposal to restrictdevelopment of some land is op-posed by many. .. It is theeasement that is generating muchof the controversy."
Special feature A concerned remnant of lakeproponents contends that the 1978referendum was a judgment thatwas "clearly a demonstrationagainst using a big mainstreamdam for needed resource use."They advocate "side valley"lakes as an alternative.
26 Jan 82 Globe-Democrat Hearing of 1/25 held by CorpsPost-Dispatch at Sullivan re the provisionsNews stories for disposing of Meramec land.
About 400 people were presentand were mostly against thestate taking any land - favoringall of it going to former ownersor other individuals.
Post-Dispatch As needs in the Meramec serviceEditorlal page area "move toward the limitsExcerpt from pamphlet of currently available from theSt. Louis County Water Co. Meramec, the company will have
to resort to costly methods ofsecuring alternate sources unlessa program is developed in theMeramee Basin to augment thestream's flow during periods oflow water and to better balancethe normal flows by the timethis critical point is reahed."
31 Jan 82 Post-Dispatch Re Merumec land: State to trimNews story the land plan, but landowners in
the area say that they want allthe land beck.
110
1 980s
Dateg Summary
4 Feb 82 Post-Dispatch A no land transfer (to Missouri)News story bill heard in the legislature.
Most of those at hearing werefrom Meramec dam area and insupport of the bill.
16 Feb 82 Post-Dispatch Support of state land plan. TheLetters to the editor stretch of the river is spectacu-
lar and should be protected.
Since the project has beenabandoned, it is only just andfair that landowners have anopportunity to buy land back.
19 Feb 82 Globe-Democrat Second public hearing by Corps,Post-Dispatch at Fenton - on Meramec land.News stories More than 500 people attended,
mostly against vtate's plan.
"State officials, stung bycriticism, are talking aboutmodifying the plan."
21 Feb 82 Post-Dispatch More commnts and observationsOutdoors column re the dam land transfer. Favors
state plan on taking 4,800 acres.
24 Feb 82 Post-Dispatch For transfer to the state ofEditorial page 4,800 acres of Meramec land.Portion of a statement madeat 2/18 Fenton hearing bythe Open Space Council
27-28 Feb Gloe.Democrat "Construotion of the Pine Ford1982 News story c could worsen heavy-metal
pollution on the Big River, arecent study completed for theU.S. Army Corps of Engineersconcludes."
' 111
1980s
3 Mar 82 Post-Dispatch Re Meramec land to state:News story Compromise agreed on for bill
to take the place of the no-transfer of land bill. Providesfor state to take 5,122 acresbut to sell 1,732 acres back tothe original landowners. Moneyfrom the sale would be used bystate to manage the 3,390 acreskept by the state.
15 Mar 82 Globe-Democrat Re Meramec land: "ApproximatelyLetter to the editor 10 years ago. . . we were pres-
sured into selling the land bythe Nazi-like behavior of thecorps representative."
21 Apr 82 Post-Dispatch Legislature passes Meramec landGlobe-Democrat bill, as follows: State takesNews stories 5,122 acres dnd will sell be-
tween 1,522 and 1,722 acres;plan provides for river bankprotection with a 600-foot stripon each side of the river andbanning buildings on the strip(except for farming), trashdumping, and tree cutting.
27 Apr 82 Globe-Democrat Governor signs the Heruiec landNews story bill.
21 May 82 Post-Dispatch Rep. Yountg requests $1 millionNews story in next year's federal budget to
begin flood control work and awater study in the HMrameo Basin.
15 Jun 82 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Corps FavorsPost-Dispatch Deauthorizing 3 Dms"News stories
. .. there just is no publicsupport." Prospective actionrefers to Pine Ford, Union and1-38 d -.
112
4
1980 to 1983
21k agurce SumaryDee 1982 District file Ejgo: 26 Nov - thunder
storms with minor rises andsaturated soil. Major storms2-3 Dec. Intermittent rainthrough 5 Dec. BourbeuseRiver - exceeded all knownrecord crests. Upper Meramecand Big - stages close tohighest on record. Belowconfluence of the threerivers - crests exceededthose of 1915 with new recordstages. Crest at Eureka42.89 on 6 Dec.
6 Dec 82 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Thousands FleeNews story Rampaging Rivers - Damage
Estimated in Millions"
"The raging Meramec and Bour-beuse rivers forced thousands ofTimes Beach, Padific and Unionarea residents from their homes
Times Beach in southwestSt. Louis County was completelyunder water that overflowed theMeramec, and the Bourbeusedeluged Union, where water wasreported to be at rooftop levelof some homes and businesses."
7 Dec 82 Post-Dispatch The rampaging Meramec RiverNews story crested today, but the work to
repair the damage done over thelast four days throughout theMeramec River Basin is Justbeginning.
113
1980 to 1983
Sourc Sury8 Dec 82 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Record Flooding and
News story Devastation"
"You can safely say that theMeramec crested at the highestlevels - from Pacific to Arnold- since we have been keepingrecords." (National WeatherService)
10-26 Dec Globe-Democrat 30 letters: for a dam - 10;1982 Post-Dispatch A&at= a dam and/or for
Letters to the editor limits on flood plain use - 17;Expressine only sympathy forflood victims - 3.
11-12 Dec Globe-Democrat Supporters of Meraec dam con-1982 News story sider reviving the project in the
wake of the floods.
Missouri's two senators said damwouldn't have held back thefloodwaters, and they stilloppose.
Editorial Re December 1982 flood: If theMeramec dam had been in place,it would have reduoed the heighto the flood by 0%. If allthree of the major dams had beencopleted, the height of theflood would have been lowered by85%.
12 Dec 82 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Valley Park MayorNews story Assails Eagleton"
Mayor lashed out at SenatorEagleton "for helping defeat theMeramec Dam project and said anew effort should be made tocontrol flooding along theMeramec River."
1
1 iq
1980 to 1983
e Smary
16 Dee 82 Post-Dispatch "... the December floodsEditorial represent a clear warning to
governent and public to becautious about building andliving in a flood plain."
18-19 Dee Globe-Democrat Headline: "Flood Relief Has Cost1982 News story $1.5 Million Red Cross Says"
Feature story "The Army Corps of Engineers wasordered by the Carter administra-tion to withhold information thatwould help passage of the 1978Meramec Park Lake and Dam ad-visory referendum, according tothe chief engineer of the Corps'St. Louis office at the time."
18-19 Dec News story Recent floods have not aroused1982 much interest in the Missouri(cont.) legislature om another regional
referendum. Such a plan wouldbe futile unless Missouri Con-gressmen changed their mindsand backed it.
News story "Members of Missouri' s congres-sional delegation threw coldwater Friday on efforts to re-vive interest in building a damon the Meramec River southwestof St. Louis."
21 Dec 82 Post-Dispatch "More than $8 million worth ofNeWs story flood insurance in unincorporated
Jefferson County will be phasedout starting in April unless theLegislature acts to let countyjudges enact a flood-plain ordi-nance, a federal official warnedtoday."
If no flood insurance, many formsof federal aid would be unavail-able to flood victims.
115
, __ __ _
1980 to 1983
ZeurceSmmr
1-2 Jan Globe-Democrat Headlines: "Wettest Year in Cen-1983 News story tury Now. Behind Us"; "1982 Began
with Blizzard That Closed DownArea and Ended with Near-.RecordFlooding"
Post-Dispatch Headline: "SBA Loan BenefitsNews story Reduced, Victims of Flood Warned"
6 Jan 83 Post-Dispatch Federal and state agencies panelNews story "looking at problems caused by
last month's flood and proposingways to keep them fromrecurring."
7 Jan 83 Globe-Democrat "Loophole in federal program,News story coupled with limited money in
fund, may mean that some severelydamaged homes are not eligiblefor buyout."
11 Jan 83 Pbst-Dispatch Re Living on the'flood plainEveryday Section in Valley Park: ColumnistLevins' column criticizes environmientalist
who wrote a letter to theeditor saying "if peoplechoose to live on that floodplain, they should be preparedfor the inevitable consequences,not demand that a river' s ecologybe destroyed for their pleasure."
Colunist says it's neitherchoice nor pleasure, and thatpeople live on the flood plainbecause they can't affordhigher ground.
19 Jan 83 Post-Dispatch Re Missouri General Assembly:News story "A bill to declare all Missouri
counties eligible for federalflood insurance was passed bythe House today and sent to theSenate."
116
1980 to 1963
Da Source Summary
23 Jan 83 Post-Dispatch Headline: "Builders DonateNews story Items to Area Flood Victims"
25 Jan 83 Globe-Democrat Re Agencies' recommendationNews story for avoiding flood damages:
Missouri should develop a"sound floodplain-managementprogram."
3 Feb 83 Post-Dispatch Headline: "U.S. Seeks SignersNews story on Flood Insurance"
4 Feb 83 Globe-Democrat Senator Eagleton introducesNews story bill providing for individual
flood insurance regardless ofwhether an entire community hasagreed to participate.
8 Feb 83 Globe-Democrat "Local interests, should pay moreNews story for federal water development
projects like flood control andmunicipal water systems thatbenefit their citizens, theReagan administration told Con-gress Monday."
Editorial Re December 1982 flood: "If itwasn't clear to Missouri's twosenators that a Meramec Dam wasneeded, it was clear to thethousands of residents and busi-nesses along the Meramec that theproject should have been com-pleted."
9 Feb 83 Globe-Democrat Headline: "County, Municipali-News story ties Unite to Seek U.S. Buyout
of Flood-Damaged Sites"
Post-Dispatch Headline: "Disaster AgencyNews story Finishing Work to Aid Flood
Victims"
117
-,-
1980 to 1983
sourc tmary
2 May 83 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Rising Rivers RoutNews story Families"
Post-Dispatch Headline: "1,000 Area FamiliesNews story Flee Floods"
3 May 83 District file E1gW: 3 May at Eureka -
cresting at 37.07. Preceded bysaturating rainfall in earlyApril over the watershed, themajor Eureka crest was caused byheavy rains in the west, south-west and south areas of the Basin- from 27 April through 1 May.
Globe-Democrat People packing up and moving outPost-Dispatch as the flood waters come.News stories
Globe-Democrat "Time to Consider Union Dam"Editorial
4-5 May Globe-Democrat Headline: "Meramec Flooding1983 News stories Holds Towns at Bay"; "City of
Arnold Besieged by Floods andFrustration"; "Better FloodWarnings Called for in U.S.Study" (by the National AdvisoryCommittee on Oceans and Atmos-phere)
17 May 83 Post-Dispatch "The federal government willNews story spend $1.2 million to buy 76
homes on flood plains along thelower Meramec River for conver-sion to park land."
18 May 83 Post-Dispatch Headline: "News of MeramecNews story Buyout Cheers Residents"
118
1980 to 1983
DAteouc Summary26 May 83 Post-Dispatch Statement of Federal Emergency
News story Management Agency official:Buying structures in flood proneareas "is a more efficient useof the taxpayers' money" thancontinuing to pay for flooddamage (through federal floodinsurance).
1 Jul 83 Globe-Democrat Rep. Young proposes a study ofNews story the four dams planned for theBourbeuse and Big Rivers thatwould have reduced damage con-siderably in the December 1982flood.
9-10 Jul Globe-Democrat Headline: "Young Takes Lead on1983 Editorial Flood Control" (refers to get-
ting appropriations and broaden-ing study on Meramec Basinflood control)'
4 Aug 83 Post-Dispatch Representatives of Arnold,News story Fenton and St. Louis County
have signed an agreement forfederal purchase of $1.2 millionin flood-damaged property alongthe Meramec River.
4 Oct 83 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Amy Corps PreparingNews story to Unload Dam Project Land"
19 Oct 83 Post-Dispatch Headline: "State Gets Deed toNews story 5,122 Acres in Meramec Area"
119
1980 to 1983
Source Summary
7 Nov 83 Globe-Democrat Headline: "Valley Park OKsNews story Annex Study Aimed at Flooding
Problem"
"Annexation would allow ValleyPark's business district, whichis frequently flooded by theMeramec River, to move to higherground, city officials say."
The writing of this 1880-1983 chronology report was finishedat this point. A new year of action was coming up with thepurchase of flood land on the lower river, and the start ofdisposing of Meramec Dam land (20,822 acres) to be sold backto the original owners, or to others if owners didn't buy it.
120
