[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 LAKE BARKLEY WATER LEVEL PILOT PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2006

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation I 
introduced today to create a Pilot Program to extend the summer water 
level of Lake Barkley, KY, until after Labor Day.
  Barkley Dam impounds the Cumberland River near Grand Rivers, KY, 
creating Lake Barkley, which was taken over by the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers in 1966. In order to create this body of water, communities 
were flooded in the 1960s. Today, people still talk about Eddyville and 
``Old Eddyville'', as well as Kuttawa and ``Old Kuttawa''. The ``Old'' 
areas were the portions of the cities that were left above the water 
after the areas were flooded. The present day cities were created after 
the lake was formed. Old foundations, streets, and highways, including 
U.S. Highways 68 and 62, are still visible in shallow water areas. The 
Illinois Central Railroad was also relocated and can also still be seen 
underwater from lowflying planes above.
  One mile above the dam is a canal connecting Lake Barkley with 
Kentucky Lake, forming one of the greatest freshwater recreational 
complexes in the country. The lakes run parallel for more than 50 miles 
with Land Between the Lakes recreational area located between them. 
This site has been used for numerous fishing tournaments and other 
outdoor events, which have helped to create an economic boon for the 
Lake Barkley area.
  Lake Barkley is 134 miles long with over 1,000 miles of shoreline. 
The lake's water levels fluctuate from summer to winter ``pool levels'' 
for flood control purposes. During the ``summer pool'' months, 
recreation and wildlife thrive at the lake. However, the draw down for 
``winter pool'' begins in early July and this becomes extremely 
dangerous for boaters as tree stumps, old road beds, and other 
obstructions have caused fatal boating accidents. In addition, the 
``winter pool'' level has become a serious concern in the past few 
years due to the prolonged siltation, which has made the lake even 
shallower since its creation.
  This pilot program will allow us to test under normal weather 
conditions what an extended summer pool lake level would mean to 
enhanced boating safety, recreation, navigation, fishing, and tourism 
activities, while also enabling us to gauge the economic impact of 
longer and higher water levels. I believe that these new water levels 
will make the lake safer for boaters and have a positive impact on the 
wildlife and the overall lake environment. To that end, this pilot 
program will ensure the safety of residents and visitors to Lake 
Barkley, KY, and improve recreation, navigation, and the economic 
vitality of the lake's region.




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