[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10263]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF WEST POINT LAKE AND DAM IN TROUP COUNTY, 
                                GEORGIA

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                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2000

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor today to 
recognize the West Point Dam and Lake Project in West Point, Georgia. 
On June 17, 2000, the U.S. Corps of Engineers will celebrate the 25th 
anniversary of the West Point Dam and Lake Project.
  Construction of the West Point Dam and Lake Project was authorized by 
the Flood Control Act of 1962, for the purposes of flood control, 
hydroelectric power, recreation, fish and wildlife development and 
downstream navigation. Later, water quality was added as an authorized 
project purpose. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction of 
the project in December 1965. Impoundment of the lake began in October 
of 1974, and the project was dedicated with a formal ceremony held at 
the dam on June 7, 1975.
  West Point Project continues to provide substantial benefits to the 
region. It protects residences and businesses along the Chattahoochee 
River downstream from flooding, and provides low-cost electric power 
during periods of peak demand. It also provides a water source for 
downstream navigation along the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, Flint 
Rivers Waterway.
  There are over 10,000 acres of intensively managed wildlife habitat 
on the lake, as well as 38 public recreational areas for the outdoor 
enthusiast. The lake hosts an average of over 2 million visitors each 
year who come to enjoy multiple recreational opportunities such as 
camping, boating, picnicking, fishing, hunting, and more. It provides 
an enhanced quality of life to those who live on or near its shoreline.
  West Point Project's 25-year history of public service is worthy of 
commemoration. It has been a pleasure to work closely with the citizens 
and authorities who keep West Point Lake and Dam Project in excellent 
condition.
  The true spirit of public service and cooperation at West Point Lake 
is exemplified by the West Point Lake Task Force, chaired by Ken 
Manning and co-chaired by Dr. Art Holbrook and Dr. Harry McGinnis. The 
Task Force provides a vital, credible, and active avenue for 
constituents of the Seventh District to bring matters of concern to the 
attention of the Corps of Engineers. This group has also served our 
community by providing beneficial information to help as we strive to 
understand the complexities of this most valuable natural resource.
  The cooperative spirit in which the Corps of Engineers works with our 
Task Force and with the local government, is exemplified by Eddie 
Sosebee in LaGrange, Colonel David Norwood in Mobile, Alabama, and Dr. 
Joseph Westphal, Assistant Secretary of the Army, in Washington, D.C.

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