the navigation channel allows for safe, economical movements
of these products in an environmentally sound mode,
unequaled by any other methods.
Sincerely,
Homer B. Hirt, Jr.
153
BOARD OF COMMISSIONEHS
WYUE C. YELVEHTON
1402CaiverDnve
Oothan. Alabama 36303
flOBERT CROWDER / OCSEl^^ - \ "°"^'' •'"'''°'' *"*N
5426 W SI. Hwy 52 I * ' ^^ < I 2262 S. County 33 Rd.
Oolhan. Alabama 36301 \*^^^^^* J Ashtord. Alabama 36312
FRANCES M. COOK
102 Beery Patch Lane
Oothan, Alabama 36301
MARK S CULVER
HOUSTON COUNTY COMMISSION SOe Momen-ma Ave.
Oothan. Alabama 36303
January 24, 1996
The Honorable John Myers, Chairman
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
U. S. House of Representatives
2372 Ravbum House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative Myers:
I am sure you are aware, the Tri-Rivers Waterway Development Association was
established in 1960 and is the only non-profit, tri-state organization which promotes the
effective development, utilization and maintenance of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-
Flint River System
As Chairman of the Houston County Commission, and on behalf of the 83,000 citizens
of Houston County, I would like to request your support of continued Federal funding, for
Fiscal year 1997, of the Appalachicola-Chattahoochee-FUnt Inland Waterway and River
System
Your continued support and interest in the maimenance and future development of the
Tri-Rivers Inland Waterway and River System is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
PO DRAWER 6406 'DOTHAN. ALABAMA 36302 • TELEPHONE 334/6T7-4740 • FAX 334/794-6633
154
*
February 6,1996
P.O. Box 100
Lower Peach Tree
Alabama, 36751
The Honorable John Myers, Chairman
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
U. S. House of Representatives
2372 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Myers;
I an writing to you on behalf of the TRI Rivers Waterway Development
Association Appropriation request for 1997.
I joined the association in 1994. 1 am a land owner, row crop and
woodlands in Houston County, Alabama. The work that is being done by
the association are certainly benefiting the economic and social
development of the people of the TRI State River Basin.
By funding the Tri River Association I believe that many people will benefit
by the accomplishments of their work.
The TRI River Basin has not reached the true potential of use of this
excellent waterway. Only through continued focus by an interested
association can this potential be reached.
Again your consideration is requested to fund the association again in
1997.
Sincerely,
Bill Irby
155
lACKSOlM
BOARD ./COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
26'<^4 <dy\aJiLi.on Sti££.t
^U.uzUnrA ^[oiiAa 32446
February 16, 1996
The Honorable John Myers, Chairman
subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
U.S. House of Representatives
2372 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
TRI RIVERS' FUNDING - FISCAL YEAR 1997
RE;
Dear Representative Myers:
I am writing on behalf of the Jackson bounty Board of County
commissioners, Marianna, Florida, to express support for the Tri
Rivers' Funding Request for Fiscal Year 1997.
AS Chairman of the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners I
u?ge you to continue support for the future development and
maintenance of the Tri Rivers' Waterway System.
Thank you for your consideration in this very important matter.
Jillie E. Spires
Chairman, Jackson County Board
of County Commissioners
WES:gk
c: Jackson County Board of County Commissioners
Tri Rivers' Waterway Development System
File
Deoanme nts: AdounUtration ♦ BuUding • Emensency Mgt. ♦ Fire & R escue > 9 U • Persoonel ' Planning • Purchasing
Phone (904) 482.%» • EQUAUAFHRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER • Fax (904) 482-9645 • SO 789-963}
156
Stevenson&Palmer
Engineering
INCORPORATED
Febniary 6, 1996
The Honoraible John Myers, Chairman
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
U.S. House o£ Representatives
2372 Raybum House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Myers:
The maintenance and development of the Apalachicola-
Chattahoochee - Flint River systems is being effectively promoted
by the Tri- Rivers Waterway Development Association. In South
Georgia and South Alabama we are currently involved in the Corps
of Engineers "ACF/ACT Water Study" . The Corps is performing a
broad-based three year study of the Tri -State water issues. The
Tri -Rivers Association has been actively Involved in this study
and should be allowed to continue in its efforts.
I realize that all funding requests are being carefully analyzed,
and I agree that all federal and state funding agencies should
have to justify their continued existence. Because the Trl-
Rivers Association affects so many people in both Alabama and.
Georgia, and because they are an Importimt voice in the on-going
Corps of Engineers study, I support the Tri -Rivers Waterway
Development Association's funding request for fiscal Year 1997.
The continued viability of the ACF inland waterway and river
system is important to the citizens of south Georgia.
Sincerely,
fSON & PALMER EKGINEERING, INC.
Kdhneth R. Hatcher
President
cc; Rebecca M. Robinson (Tri-Rivers Association)
BCRH/mms
2200 West Town Road / Albany, Geo-gia 3 1 707 / Telepnone (9 1 2) 883-0332 / Fox (9 1 2) 883-0543
157
TiDEL.\>a> Barge Compamy
3»00 RdDEBTA ST.. snTB lO
P.O. BO.\ A2SI
MET.URIE, LOt-lSI.OTA 70O1 1
(304) 885-3360
February 20, 1996
The Honorable John Myers, Chairman
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
U.S. House of Representatives
2372 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
RE: Request for Continued Funding,
Tri Rivers Waterway
Development Association
Dear Representative Myers:
This is a request that funding requested by the above
referenced Association be reported out favorably from your
subcommittee.
Our company, which is engaged in inland waterways
transportation of bulk liquid chemicals, utilizes the Apalachicola,
Chattahoochee and Flint River system in the delivery of those
products to distributors and end-users. The continued existence of
that waterway system in a navigable condition is essential to our
being able to deliver that service. The Tri Rivers Waterway
Development Association is the only organized voice that we have to
spearhead the continued maintenance and development of that river
system.
Thank you, and with kindest regards, I am
Very truly yours,
TIDELAND BARGB-^QMPANY
GENE DRAKE
President
CED:g
cc File
Tri Rivers Waterway Development Association
158
n
><)liNC REriNINC, CORPORATION • PO 13ov "% D.,L,Kl,,sville, CA Wm
(4041 '14J-J343
January 30, 1996
The Honorable John Myers, Chairman
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
V. S. House of Representatives
2372 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Sir:
This letter is to express Young Refining's strong support
for the Tri-Rivers Waterway Development Association effort to
maintain and develop the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River
System.
As a small refiner located 20 miles west of Atlanta, this
system has been very vital to us in bringing crude oil from the
Gulf Coast and shipping products back to the Gulf. I see this
system as being more crucial to the area it serves in the future.
Your efforts toward the successful fiscal year 1997 funding
for this organization will be greatly appreciated.
YOUNGJEFINING CORPORATION
y E y/soi
Dewey Ej/Southers
Executi*e Vice President
159
Gult Po'we' Compiiy
500 Bay't'onl Par^wij
Poit Otfice Bo« ''51
Pensacola, Ft 32520-032^
Talephone 9Cii <l'-.'»-623e
Gulf Power
February 22 J 996
Honorable John T. Myers, Chairman
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
U.S. House of Representatives
2372 Raybtmi House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Myers:
This letter is written to express the support of Gulf Power Company for the Tri Rivers
Waterway Development Association. The purpose of the Tn Rivers organization is to
promote the maintenance and effective development of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-
Flint Inland Waterway and River System.
Gulf Power's electrical service territory covers nine counties m the western most portion
of the Flonda panhandle and one of Gulf s three electnc generatmg plants is located on
the Apalachicola River. Therefore, we are obviously interested in any action or decision
which may potentially impact utilization of the waterway.
In order to allow Tri Rivers to continue its important work, we also wish to express our
support for the association's request for continued Federal funding. Thank you for your
consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
cc; Rachel Tenry
Jim Vick
â– Our business is customer satisfaction'
160
Mr. Myers. This concludes Alabama day. We have run over
slightly, but I think you all understand the appreciation you folks
from Alabama show for Tom Bevill, as we all do, and appropriately
you have said nice words about him. I don't think we want to cut
that short.
We do appreciate each of you for the job you have done, and the
delegation you send here always works very closely together. That
is very important. You will never know how important unless you
sit on this side of the dais.
[Written statements of Senator Richard Shelby and Senator
Howell Heflin follow:]
161
RICHARD SHELBY State Offices:
lanitcd States Senate
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-0103
STATEMENT OF SENATOR RICHASD SHELBY "mi mTâ„¢/'^ "'"
ON BEHALF OF THE COOSA-ALABAMA RIVER SYSTEM .^ „,bg„«s.o.oav.«„,.2
AND THE WARRIOR TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY FOR THE ' 'zol'^Hi.*"""""
HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
FOR ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT
FEBRUARY 27, 1996
Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this opportunity to offer testimony on
behalf of the Coosa-Alabama River System and the Warrior -Tombigbee
Waterway.
The Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association has requested FY
1997 funding for continued operation and maintenance of the Waterway in
the amount of 43.7 million dollars. This is an effort that has the
unqualified support of the Alabama Congressional Delegation and the
membership of the Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association. I
support this request in view of the specific needs and priorities the
Association has set forth: (1) operations and maintenance funding for
the Coosa-Alabama basins as well as Mobile Harbor (2) continued funding
for a fourth lock and dam study on the Alabama River (3) reopening the
Coosa River Navigation Project and (4) continued support for the
comprehensive basin water management study.
The Warrior Tombigbee Waterway is also an integral part of
Alabama's commerce. The Warrior Tombigbee Development Association has
been a leading proponent in the development of the Warrior-Tombigbee
Waterway, which now has modern and standardized locks throughout its
length. However, the Association has specified needs to maintain the
on-going projects and efficiency of the Waterway. The Association
request for operations and maintenance funding in FY 1997 for the Black
Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway is $16.3 million. I would like to point
out that this is three percent less than the administration goal but
that this should keep navigation capability at a minimum level.
Although the Association did not ask for additional capability
last year, they feel such capability is important to the continuing
improvements that have been postponed. For this reason they are
requesting $4.6 million to fund these improvements which include:
upland disposal sights, mooring cells, and equipment for locks.
Like the Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association, the Warrior-
Tombigbee Development Association feels the Mobile Harbor is very
important to the state of Alabama and would appreciate any and all
support for the Harbor.
I believe the Coosa-Alabama Waterway system and the Warrior
Tombigbee Waterway system are solid investments in future productivity
and economic progress . Extensive commitments to private investment on
162
navigable waterways have been made on the assumption that federal
maintenance and operation of the waterways would continue. I pledge my
continued support for this important project which holds such promise
of economic benefit.
Thank you Mr. Chairman for the opportunity to offer testimony to
this distinguished subcommittee on behalf of the Coosa-Alabama River
System and the Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway.
163
ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE TESTIMONY
SENATOR HOWELL HEFLIN
FUNDS FOR THE APALACHICOLA - CHATTAHOOCHEE - FLINT WATERWAY
FISCAL YEAR 1997
FEBRUARY 27, 199 6
MR. CHAIRMAN. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO
APPEAR BEFORE THIS SUBCOMMITTEE ON BEHALF OF THE APALACHICOLA -
CHATTAHOOCHEE -FLINT INLAND WATERWAY AND RIVER SYSTEM. DUE TO YOUR
BUSY AGENDA, I ASSURE YOU THAT MY STATEMENT WILL BE BRIEF.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU APPROVE FUNDS
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIVE MULTI-PURPOSE DAMS ON THE
APALACHICOLA -CHATTAHOOCHEE -FLINT (ACF) WATERWAY SYSTEM. THE
FUNDING REQUIRED FOR THESE PROJECTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
GEORGE W. ANDREWS LOCK, DAM, AND LAKE $4,300,000
JIM WOODRUFF LOCK, DAM AND LAKE SEMINOLE $5,100,000
BUFORD DAM AND LAKE SIDNEY LANIER $7,300,000
WALTER F. GEORGE LOCK, DAM AND LAKE $6,400,000
WEST POINT DAM AND LAKE $5,100,000
THERE IS ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I HOPE THE COMMITTEE WILL GIVE
FAVORABLE CONSIDERATION. AS YOU WILL HEAR IN THE TESTIMONY GIVEN
TODAY BY REBECCA M. ROBINSON OF THE TRI -RIVERS WATERWAY DEVELOPMENT
ASSOCIATION. THE STATE OF FLORIDA IS THE ONLY STATE ALONG THE ACF
WATERWAY SYSTEM WHICH REQUIRES LOCAL SPONSORSHIP INSTEAD OF
164
FEDERAL. I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO OPTIONS WHICH WOULD ALLOW
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO TAKE OVER SPONSORSHIP.
IN CLOSING, THERE ARE SIX PUBLIC PORTS ALONG THE ACF WATERWAY
REPRESENTING AN INVESTMENT OF $15 MILLION. MOREOVER, THERE ARE
MILLIONS OF ADDITIONAL DOLLARS INVESTED IN PRIVATE FACILITIES AND
INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS. NAVIGATION USERS AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
ARE DEPENDING MORE AND MORE ON THE ACF WATERWAY SYSTEM FOR THEIR
TRANSPORTATION NEEDS. THEREFORE, I URGE YOUR FAVORABLE
CONSIDERATION OF THE TESTIMONY TO BE PRESENTED TODAY BY REBECCA M.
ROBINSON.
THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.
165
ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE TESTIMONY
SENATOR HOWELL HEFLIN
FUNDS FOR THE WARRIOR -TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY
FISCAL YEAR 1997
FEBRUARY 27, 1996
MR. CHAIRMAN, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY
TO APPEAR BEFORE YOUR SUBCOMMITTEE ON BEHALF OF THE WARRIOR -
TOMBIGBEE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.
I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE COMMITTEE SUPPORT TWO
APPROPRIATION ITEMS FOR FY97: OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE (O&M) AND
ADDITIONAL CAPABILITY FUNDS TOTALING $20,965,000. THIS INCLUDES
NEAR LEVEL O&M FUNDING OF $16.3 MILLION AND ADDITIONAL CAPABILITY
FUNDING OF $4.65 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO INFORMATION I HAVE BEEN GIVEN, THE ASSOCIATION
DEVELOPED THEIR OWN BUDGET AMOUNT FOR THE OPERATIONS AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS FOR FY9 6 DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY WILL NOT
HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSED FY97 BUDGET FOR THE CORPS OF
ENGINEERS UNTIL LATE MARCH. AS SUCH, THEY ARRIVED AT THE ABOVE
FIGURES BY USING THE EXPERIENCE DATA FOR PRIOR RECENT YEARS AND
THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF WHICH O&M PROJECTS REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN
ORDER FOR WORK TO CONTINUE ON A REASONABLE SCHEDULE.
THIS LEVEL OF FUNDING IS NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THE DAY-TO-DAY
166
O&M PROGRAM AND TO CONTINUE ON -GOING IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE
APPROACHES AND FENDER SYSTEM TO THE BRIDGE AT JACKSON, ALABAMA, ON
THE TOMBIGBEE RIVER, TO CONTINUE PURCHASING CRITICAL UPLAND
DISPOSAL SITES FOR DREDGED MATERIALS, AND CONSTRUCTION OF DIKES.
IN ADDITION, MOORING CELLS AT DEMOPOLIS AND COFFEEVILLE LOCKS AND
STOPLOGS FOR OLIVER LOCK AND DAM ARE NEEDED.
P^SED ON THE ABOVE INFORMATION, I FEEL THAT THE ASSOCIATION'S
REQUEST FOR $20,965,000 FOR OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE AND ADDITIONAL
CAPABILITY FUNDS IS REASONABLE. THEREFORE, I SUPPORT THE WARRIOR -
TOMBIGBEE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION'S REQUEST, AND I ASK FOR THE
COMMITTEE'S FAVORABLE CONSIDERATION.
THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.
167
ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE TESTIMONY
SENATOR HOWELL HEFLIN
FUNDS FOR THE TENNESSEE -TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY
FISCAL YEAR 1997
FEBRUARY 27, 1996 ^^^^^^^^
MR. CHAIRMAN, ON BEHALF OF THE TENNESSEE -TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST FAVORABLE
CONSIDERATION OF THE AUTHORITY'S BUDGET REQUESTS.
WHILE THE LEVEL OF FUNDING RECOMMENDED BY THE ADMINISTRATION
IS NOT KNOWN AT THIS TIME, I REQUEST THAT YOU APPROVE THIS YEAR'S
LEVEL OF FUNDING FOR FY97 AND AN ADDITIONAL $3.7 MILLION BE
APPROPRIATED TO ACCOMPLISH PART OF THE $5.5 MILLION OF THE DEFERRED
O&M WORK. COMPLETE DEFERRAL WOULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN MAJOR
REHABILITATION COSTS LATER ON.
IN ADDITION, I REQUEST THAT $3 MILLION BE APPROVED TO CONTINUE
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN WORK ON A NEW LOCK AT KENTUCKY DAM ON THE
TENNESSEE RIVER. EVENTUAL CONSTRUCTION OF THIS LOCK WILL RELIEVE
ONE OF THE WORST BOTTLENECKS IN THE ENTIRE WATERWAY SYSTEM. THIS
LEVEL OF FUNDING WILL PERMIT CONSIDERATION OF THE PROJECT AS A NEW
CONSTRUCTION START BY THE YEAR 2000.
I SUPPORT THE PROJECTS ALONG THE TENNESSEE -TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY,
AND I URGE THE COMMITTEE TO APPROVE THE REQUESTED FUNDING SET FORTH
TODAY .
168
ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE TESTIMONY
SENATOR HOWELL HEFLIN
FUNDS FOR THE NORTHPORT, ALABAMA, FLOOD CONTROL LEVEE
FISCAL YEAR 1997 •"^^
FEBRUARY 27, 199 6 ^/^"^^^Z
Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the City of Northport, Alabama, I
would like to voice my support for the Continuing Authority
Program, Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948. More
specifically, I request this Subcommittee's support of the
Northport Flood Control Levee, a project for which detail design
was scheduled to begin this year under the Section 205 Program,
A feasibility study, which was cost-shared by the City of
Northport, Alabama, was completed in June 1995. Review of the
report was completed and the final report was submitted on October
13, 1995. The report recommended construction of a levee
approximately 12 feet in height and about 2.1 miles in length. The
levee would provide protection to about 325 businesses and
residences and eliminate 92% of the average annual flood
damages .
In addition, the Northport Flood Control Levee is the keystone
of the Northport Renaissance Plan for redevelopment of the river
margin. Flooding from the Black Warrior River has severely
hampered Northport 's growth for over 150 years. Construction of
the levee will eliminate this deterrent to growth and, thus, is the
169
first step toward development of the Renaissance Plan and
redevelopment of the river margin.
In sum, this project is of the utmost importance to the City
of Northport. Therefore, on behalf of the City of Northport, I am
asking for the Subcommittee's support in making this project a
reality by supporting the Continuing Authority Program, Section 205
of the Flood Control Act of 194 8.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
170
ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE TESTIMONY
SENATOR HOWELL HEFLIN
FUNDS FOR THE COOSA -ALABAMA WATERWAY
FISCAL YEAR 1997
FEBRUARY 27, 1996
MR. CHAIRMAN, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAR BEFORE
THIS SUBCOMMITTEE ON BEHALF OF THE COOSA - ALABAMA RIVER IMPROVEMENT
ASSOCIATION. BECAUSE OF YOUR CROWDED AGENDA, MY REMARKS WILL BE
BRIEF.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I AM OF THE OPINION THAT WE MUST PROTECT THE
NATION'S TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FROM EXPEDIENT BUDGET CUTS.
AS A NATION, WE HAVE irJVESTED A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF OUR WATERWAY INFRASTRUCTURE, AND I THINK THE RETURN
ON OUR INVESTMENT HAS FAR EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS.
HAVING SAID THAT, I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THE COMMITTEE'S
SUPPORT IN MAINTAINING THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FOR PROJECTS
IN THE COOSA-ALABAMA RIVER SYSTEM AND IN MOBILE HARBOR AT LEVELS
EQUAL TO THAT OF FY96. IN THE ALABAMA-COOSA RIVER BASIN, EXISTING
RIVER PROJECTS AND FACILITIES SUPPORT THE COMMERCIAL NAVIGATION,
HYDROPOWER, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SO CRITICAL TO THE REGION'S
ECONOMY. THEREFORE, THE FIRST PRIORITY MUST BE THE O&M FUNDING
THAT PERPETUATES THOSE PROJECTS, INCLUDING CONTINUED REHABILITATION
OF EXISTING FACILITIES, MAINTENANCE DREDGING, AND MODIFICATION OF
TRAINING DIKES.
171
IN ADDITION, TO OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FUNDING, I REQUEST
YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE FOLLOWING:
(1) FUNDING THE STUDY OF A FOURTH LOCK AND DAM ON THE ALABAMA
RIVER;
(2) REOPENING THE COOSA NAVIGATION PROJECT;
(3) RESISTING ANY ATTEMPT TO RAISE USER FUEL TAXES ON THE
INLAND RIVER NAVIGATION INDUSTRY; AND-
(4) CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE BASIN MANAGEMENT
STUDY.
I SUPPORT THE PROJECTS OF THE COOSA -ALABAMA RIVER IMPROVEMENT
ASSOCIATION, AND I URGE THE COMMITTEE TO GIVE FAVORABLE
CONSIDERATION TO THEIR REQUESTS.
THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.
172
ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE TESTIMONY
SENATOR HOWELL HEFLIN
TVA'S ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER
FISCAL YEAR 1997
FEBRUARY 27, 1996
^^^
MR. CHAIRMAN, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK
YOU AND THE SUBCOMMITTEE FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF TVA'S ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH CENTER OVER THE YEARS AND TO REQUEST YOUR CONTINUED
SUPPORT. I WILL MAKE A FEW, BRIEF COMMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE
CENTER .
IT IS A WELL KNOWN FACT THAT TVA ONCE CONDUCTED THE NATION'S
MOST EFFECTIVE PROGRAM IN DEVELOPING NEW FERTILIZER AND NUTRIENT
TECHNOLOGIES THAT HAS FUELED THE LEGENDARY GAINS IN FOOD AND FIBER
PRODUCTION IN THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD. BECAUSE OF THIS WORK,
TVA IS LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TREMENDOUS SUCCESS OF U.S.
AGRICULTURE.
DURING THE DECADES TVA CONDUCTED ITS FERTILIZER AND
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS, IT BUILT A STRONG BASE OF EXPERTISE
IN CHEMISTRY, CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, PROCESS ENGINEERING, AGRONOMY,
AND OTHER RELATED AGRICULTURAL AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES. NOW TVA
IS CAPITALIZING ON THIS EXPERTISE IN DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGIES TO
SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE PROBLEMS IN THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AS WELL
AS ACROSS THE NATION.
173
TODAY, TVA'S ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER IS ON THE THRESHOLD
OF DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO PREVENT OR REDUCE POLLUTION OF THE AIR,
LAND, AND WATER FROM AGRICULTURAL, MUNICIPAL, AND INDUSTRIAL
OPERATIONS. FOR OUR NATION TO ACHIEVE AGRICULTURAL AND ECONOMIC
SUSTAINABILITY, WE MUST HAVE INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO OPERATE OUR
FARMS, FACTORIES, UTILITIES, AND CITIES IN ENVIRONMENTALLY
ACCEPTABLE WAYS.
THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH CENTER CAN HELP US AVOID A CRISIS IN MANAGING AND
DISPOSING OF OUR AGRICULTURAL, MUNICIPAL, AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES.
IN FACT, SOME OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER'S TECHNOLOGIES
ARE ALREADY IN USE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY IN CLEANING UP
CONTAMINATED SITES, REDUCING POLLUTION FROM AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS
OPERATIONS, AND CONVERTING WASTES INTO VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS.
MR. CHAIRMAN, BECAUSE OF TODAY'S BUSY SCHEDULE, I WILL NOT
CITE THE MANY AREAS OF RESEARCH UNDERWAY AT THE CENTER, NOR GO INTO
DETAIL ON THE MANY BENEFITS THE CENTER'S WORK WILL HAVE ON THE
ENVIRONMENT. SUFFICE IT TO SAY THAT THE WORK BEING CONDUCTED AT
THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OF OUR COUNTRY IN THE FUTURE, AND IT DESERVES
YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.
THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.
174
Tuesday, February 27, 1996.
OfflO RIVER NAVIGATION SYSTEM
WITNESS
R. BARRY PALMER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DINAMO
Mr. Myers. Next, we have the Executive Director of DINAMO,
Barry Palmer. Your complete statement will be placed in the record
and you may proceed as you would like.
Mr. Palmer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Bevill. I guess
we are out in the Midwest or the Mid-Atlantic States— I come from
Pittsburgh, and we noticed that when you announced your retire-
ment that we sent a lot of precipitation this way. It was the water-
ways interests of America with great sobbing and tears in our eyes
that turned into snow by the time it got here. I think all of us who
are involved in the waterways industry are going to find we will
sorely miss you both. You have been gigantic leaders for the water
resource development of this Nation over your careers. We wish
you well.
Mr. Myers. We appreciate your affection, but wish you would