NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

(573) 526-6115

Q12053

December 16, 2005

EMPHASIS: Investigation Begins On Taum Sauk Reservoir Breach



The Missouri State Highway Patrol announces today the Division of Drug and Crime Control has commenced an investigation into the Taum Sauk Reservoir breach. At the Patrol’s request, the FBI will join the Patrol in the investigation. A team of FBI computer forensic investigators will work with the Patrol to assess the security of AmerenUE’s computer operational systems. AmerenUE officials were notified of the investigation yesterday and have pledged their cooperation.



“Working in cooperation with AmerenUE and the FBI, we must assure the citizens of Missouri this incident was accidental,” said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Considerable state assets were lost and five people were injured. The only way we can determine no criminal conduct occurred is to conduct a thorough investigation.”