Resolution of the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club

Resolution of the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club in Support
of Preserving Whitewater Recreation on the Ocoee River
Whereas, the Ocoee River is the nation’s most popular Class III-IV
whitewater rafting river which accounts for over $43 million in
economic benefits to the immediate area; and
Whereas, whitewater recreation on the Ocoee River is an incomparable
and unique travel experience which provides many overnight stays for
travelers to the Cleveland and Bradley County area as well as the entire
region of Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and Western North
Carolina; and
Whereas, whitewater recreation on the Ocoee River is a great benefit
to the quality of life in the region, helps the Chamber of Commerce
attract businesses and industry to our community, and provides
employment opportunities; and
Whereas, the Ocoee River is the only river in the United States where a
fee is required to provide water releases in sufficient quantities to
enable commercial whitewater recreation; and
Whereas: part of the mission of TVA is to promote economic
development within the Tennessee Valley region; and
Whereas; TVA has invested significant public funds in the development
of the Ocoee River’s whitewater facilities including a four-and-a-half
mile rafting area; and
Whereas; TVA recognizes and promotes the Ocoee as, “one of the
premier sport rivers in the Southeast. Site of the 1996 Summer
Olympics whitewater competitions, …”; and
Whereas, the contract between the Tennessee Valley Authority and the
State of Tennessee is due to expire in 2018; and
Whereas, it is imperative to the region’s economy to find a viable, long
term solution to enable continuation of whitewater recreation on the
Ocoee River after expiration of the current contract for water releases.
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club
PO Box 11582
Chattanooga, TN 37401
www.tvccpaddler.com
Now therefore; the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club urges
the Tennessee Valley Authority; the State of Tennessee and
Tennessee’s Congressional delegation to pursue a long term solution
which enables:
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Continuation of whitewater recreation on the river at or above
the levels currently enjoyed;
TVA to designate the river for both power generation and
recreation with recreational use during the tourism season as is
currently defined and power generation during non-daylight
hours and after the end of the tourism season;
The State of Tennessee to manage the river for whitewater
recreation;
An agreement which allows the continuation of private
boating and quality outfitting services to be provided to the public at
affordable prices.
Approved by the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club’s Officers this
18th Day of March, 2015
Don Fletcher, President, Tennessee Valley Canoe Club
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club
PO Box 11582
Chattanooga, TN 37401
www.tvccpaddler.com