SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Expecting more drought, the Army Corps of Engineers says it plans to conserve water in the Missouri River reservoirs next year.

Its 2008 operating plan for the system will be released later this month.

But the corps says it expects to release only enough water from the reservoirs for minimum commercial navigation below Sioux City, Iowa. And it says the navigation season will be shorter.

As a result of reduced discharges, the corps says electric production at the dams will be about two-thirds of normal next year.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-09-07 1109CST | save this article / add to your favorites list