Feds: Protected Mouse Isn't Delaying Flood Work
DENVER (AP) - Federal wildlife managers deny that a mouse protected by the Endangered Species Act is holding up flood recovery projects in Colorado after congressman Cory Gardner expressed concerns about possible delays.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said Wednesday neither the Preble's meadow jumping mouse or other protected species have delayed rebuilding.
September's floods killed nine people and damaged millions of dollars worth of private and public property.
RELATED: 'Endangered' Mouse Could Delay Flood Recovery
Gardner, a Republican whose district suffered heavy flood damage, said Tuesday a Federal Emergency Management Agency report warned that reviews required by the Endangered Species Act could delay projects in the mouse's habitat.
Gardner asked for a waiver from the act.
Fish and Wildlife responded that it's working closely with FEMA to expedite the reviews and said the act won't delay any projects.
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