Governor Bentley Urges U.S. Corps of Engineers to Change Policy on Lock Usage Along Two Rivers
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: October 1, 2012
Governor
Robert Bentley on Friday sent the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a
strongly-worded letter urging reconsideration of a decision regarding
lock usage
along two rivers in Alabama.
The
Corps recently announced cost-cutting measures that impact the Alabama
River and the Chattahoochee River. Beginning in October of 2012,
recreational vehicle usage
will be reduced, and commercial vehicle use of the river locks at
Miller's Ferry Lock and Dam in Wilcox County, Claiborne Lock and Dam in
Monroe County, Walter F. George Lock and Dam in Barbour County, and
George Andrews Lock and Dam in Houston County will
be available by appointment only. In the letter to the Corps, Governor
Bentley said the Corps navigation decision will financially hurt regions
of Alabama. Cities and counties along both rivers depend on the river
for their economic vitality.
"The
rivers in Alabama are extremely important for recreational use in some
very unique places in Alabama," Governor Bentley said. "It is also my
priority to promote
economic development and job creation. Our waterways play a major role
in transporting goods through the state. Reducing the level of service
on Alabama rivers will significantly harm economic development. I
strongly urge the Corps to reverse its decision
and not reduce the level of service for recreational and commercial
boats along our rivers."
The navigation system along the Alabama River is used to help ship goods to the Port of Mobile, and both rivers offer recreational activity that promotes tourism in many areas along the river system.
