Court Rules Corps Can Build Yellowstone Dam Despite Worries on Sturgeon

"HELENA — A federal judge in Montana on Wednesday lifted his hold on a proposed irrigation dam and fish passage that U.S. officials say is the best hope to save an endangered ancient species of fish in the Yellowstone River.

U.S. District Judge Brian Morris allowed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation to proceed with the $59 million project over arguments from wildlife and conservation groups that the new construction could make matters worse for the survival of the river's remaining pallid sturgeon.

'We feel that this approach is the best one for everyone affected, including the pallid sturgeon,' Corps of Engineers spokeswoman Jamie Danesi said."

The Associated Press had the story April 19, 2017.