It would sound to me like he got the proposal to open the river and was providing a response. I suppose it could be that the department was asking for responses to a proposal. If that is the case, it still is not based on fact. If there was a proposal put forth, I most certainly did not see it.
Seems odd some one would put forth a proposal and then shoot it down, so if I am a bit confused as to where the idea and response are coming from. Do you have any more information?