Reelfoot River Dam Project - Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Pork Barrel Projects of the State of Tennessee - - Not authorized by the USACOE
TDOT AVOIDS ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF DAM/SPILLWAY PROJECT AT REELFOOT LAKE IN TENNESSEE and KENTUCKY
This federally funded project is not authoized by the Tennessee General Assembly or Officials of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The U.S.Congress has not approved this interstate watershed project. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has not approved any Environmental Impact Statement(EIS)for the project.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation(TDOT) intends to build a new Dam/Spillway/Bridge on Reelfoot Lake without going through the necessary environmental, economic and cultural documentation required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The NEPA process ensures that the project is environmentally sound and safe for the human environment and wetlands and Natural Areas, National Refuges are protected.
TDOT relies on old incomplete data and studies: * TDOT plans to use an outdated and incomplete NEPA document that was rejected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is 16 years ago Residents fear loss of private land without compensation * Local Residents have no guarantee from the State of Tennessee that they will be compensated for lands when the lake level are raised without an approved water management plan between Tennessee and Kentucky. * Kentucky Residents and Farmers are concerned that they too will lose farm land when the lake level are raised without an approved interstate water management plan between TN and KY officials.
Tennessee officials intent to raise the water levels to 284'mean sea level and cause more high water damage to private property. Wetlands, Fishing and Hunting grounds may be compromised * Draining the lake during construction will ruin the fishery and hunting grounds in a protected wetland area
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) ignores their authority * TDOT does not have authority over the lake. USFWS has this authority under a 1941 lease/contract agreement with the State of Tennessee and confirmed by Bunch vs. Hodel - United States 6th Circuit Court Opinion 1986 - Federal Case. * No authorized approval for the TDOT project from the Tennessee General Assembly. Not approved by Kentucky Officials
SOLUTION: State agencies looking to create a new dam/spillway need to go through the complete NEPA process to ensure that the project is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible. * Over $10,000,000 dollars in Federal funds will be used for this project and requires NEPA review. * NEPA provides public participation. The public wants and needs to be involved, but has been excluded so far. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers would not approve this project as being sound and safe for the human environment at Reelfoot.
CALL THE TENNESSEE GOVERNOR AND DEMAND THAT THIS PROJECT BE STOPPED UNTIL THE NEPA PROCESS CAN BE COMPLETED!
CALL GOVERNOR BREDESEN AT 615.741.2001 OR EMAIL HIM AT PHIL.BREDESEN@STATE.TN.US
For more information call: High Water Levels and High Water Wave Action is causing damage presently to these landowners at Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee & Kentucky:
Mr. Henry & Joe Sanger - Fulton County Farmer - Riparian Landowner - 270-236-3427, Mr. Doug Goodman - Fulton County Farmer - Riparian Landowner - 270-236-3194, Mr. Walter Goodman - Fulton County Farmer - Riparian Landowner - 270-236-3194, Mr. Tony Bargery - Lake County Farmer - Riparian Landowner - 731-253-264-5343, Mr Jerry D. Bargery - Lake County Farmer - Riparian Landowner - 731-253-3465, Rev. Huston Northcutt - Lake County Farmer - Riparian Landowner - 731-253-7146, Mr. Ed Sumara - Farmer - Riparian Landowner - 731-253-7459, Mr. Terry Petty - Farmer - Riparian Landowner - 731- 253- 6551, Mr. Macie Roberson - Lake County Mayor - 731 - 253 - 7382 - Tennessee, Mr. Harold Garrison - Fulton County Judge Executive - Kentucky - 270-236-2594, Mrs. Natalie Denton (731) 538-9800 - Acorn Point Lodge - Riparian Landowner, Mrs. Janis & Freddie Cunningham - Riparian Property Owner - 731-885-5597, Mr. Eddie Fickle - Fickle Guide Service - Riparian Landowner - 731-538-9163, Mr. Tim Bunch - Tim Bunch Guide Service - Riparian Landowner - 731-538-2672, Mr. George Bunch Jr. - Samburg Motel and Marina - Riparian Landowner- 731- 538- 2385, Mrs. Dot Bunch - Samburg Motel and Marina - Riparian Landowner - 731- 538- 2385, Mr. Scott Cunningham - Black Jack Pocket Hunting Club - Riparian Landowner - 731-536-4426, Mr. Rick Spicer - Southshore Resort - 731- 538-2467, Mr. Joe Neighbors - Riparian Landowner - 731-538- 3534
Contact: ReelfootWatch@aol.com
About the Author
A Environment Group of local people (farmers,guides,Business Owners, property owners)trying to protect the Reelfoot River and Bayou De Chien River Watershed area in Northwestern Tennessee and Southwestern part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky from Pork Barrel Projects of the State of Tennessee Officials
