Ohio suing Army Corps of Engineers related to overcharges at Caesar Creek Lake

by | Mar 15, 2020 | Ohio Country Journal

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in federal court to recoup improper charges billed to the state for the upkeep of Caesar Creek Lake.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, contends that the Corps of Engineers has jacked up costs without providing complete itemized receipts to support the price increases. Receipts that have been provided list questionable charges.

“The Army Corps of Engineers has kept tight-lipped when pressed about these excessive and unreasonable charges,?? Yost said. “Some of the receipts we have seen are unbelievable — like charges for attending a boat show. We want our money back.??

Under an agreement reached in 1970, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) pays the Corps of Engineers for maintaining and operating the reservoir, a water source for the City of Wilmington. ODNR bills the city for reimbursement.

According to the contract, the maintenance and operational charges are supposed to be limited to those involving flood control and water supply.? Continue reading