Whitfield Says Discussions Continue on New USACE Regulations

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Kentucky’s First District Congressman Ed Whitfield says the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers made no promises to change their decision to restrict access near Cumberland River dams, but they were willing to continue discussions. Whitfield and several other lawmakers met with Army Corps of Engineers officials yesterday about the planned restricted access.

The corps has reinterpreted an existing rule to prohibit recreational activity, including fishing, within several hundred feet on either side of the dams. Whitfield asked Deputy Commanding General Michael Walsh to consider instituting the safety measures only when the dams are releasing water. Whitfield says the current restrictions changes could not only hurt tourism in the areas around the dams, but they would also mean the Corps will divert almost 3 million dollars from other projects to pay for the safety measures. The new regulations are set to go into affect at the end of May.