Whitfield Demanding USACE Consider Other Solutions for Tailwater Closures

WKMS | By Shelly Baskin

Published February 15, 2013 at 3:10 PM CST

Kentucky’s first district congressman Ed Whitfield demands that the Army Corps of Engineers consider solutions other than permanently closing areas around Cumberland River dams to fishing. Corps officials announced in December they would restrict access 700 feet downstream and 400 feet upstream of the dams because the area is dangerous. Whitfield and others contend that the area is relatively safe most of the time, so access shouldn’t restricted 24/7. Whitfield says he is introducing legislation that would require a study of the consequences and benefits of a blockade of the tailwater fishing area before any changes are made.

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Shelly Baskin

Shelly Baskin works in MSU's Office of Regional Outreach and is a graduate student in Occupational Safety and Health. A roustabout from Memphis, Tennessee, Shelly first found his way into WKMS through the newsroom back in 2011 through luck, charm and force of will. Though he left news for another position, he still enjoys working on independent radio projects and volunteering for the station. He’s an avid disc golfer and occasional real golfer and is terrible at both. A lover of all things musical, Shelly is always ready to hear something new and unique.

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