In the ongoing lawsuit Marion County filed against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop the draining of Detroit Lake, the Army Corps made an astounding claim: That their administrative record, which is the foundation of their review and decision to drain the lake, shouldn’t be seen by the Court or Marion County before the judge determines whether they can move forward with their potentially catastrophic plan this fall.

"New OHA rules endanger county staff, program participants, visitors, and neighbors," said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “It is unacceptable that OHA refuses reasonable safety protections. We will not stop fighting to ensure our staff and the residents in these facilities they serve are safe from the harm OHA’s policies would needlessly cause."

“Risking the drinking water of our communities while harming thousands of fish is patently absurd” said Commissioner Colm Willis, Chair. “Since the Army Corps refused to listen to reasonable requests from the county, cities, and schools, this lawsuit is the strongest means we have to protect our downstream communities as well as recreation at Detroit Lake.”