leam, experience and adopt the innovative TVA programs developed with monies you have appropriated. No matter where you
live in the United States, TVA has served as a teacher and role model We urge you to restore the Tennessee Valley Authority's
funding to $130-140 million.
. hanks to funding appropriated last year. TVA has made great progress in correcting a very dangerous situation t«low
Pickwick Lock and will complete the channel improvement project this summer However, there now exists the real threat of
shutting down the Upper Tennessee River Chickamauga Lock, completed in 1937, is experiencing severe structural
deterioration caused by concrete growth Analysis shows that repairs can only keep the lock operational until 2005 The FEIS, to
be completed 3/96, focuses on two options: (1) permanent closure of the lock in 2005 and (2) construction of a new lock prior to
closing the existing lock The prefen-ed choice is to construct a new 1 10 x 600' lock tiefore we have to close the existing lock
Cost of a new lock would be $211 million ('96 dollars) with an almost 5 to 1 B/C ration. Closure of the lock would effectively
abandon 290 miles of the nation's interconnected inland wateofvay system and cut off water transportation benefits to the upper
Tennessee River area Permanent closure would have negative economic consequences for the region and Nation Mr
Chairman, we earnestly encourage this Committee's support of continued funding for the Chickamauga Lock Project in TVA's
FY97 budget.
Mr. Chairman, Kentucky Lock provides a gateway from the Northeast to the Southeast, Gulf of Mexico and Worid. It also
serves as an alternate route to the lower Mississippi through the Tenn-Tom Waten^vay to the Gulf This Is economically important
as well as beneficial to national defense Kentucky's 600' chamber is too small to handle a modern 1 5-barge tow without hM>
lockages. This greatly increases the processing time, further compounds the problem of congestion and gives Kentucky Lock
one of the highest transit times in the Inland waterways In 1992 the Corps produced a feasibility report which recommended the
addition of a new 1 10 x 1200' lock. This report is awaiting the recommendation to Congress for authorization. The current cost
estimate is $395 million ('95 dollars) with a B/C ratio of 2.4 to 1. We support continuation of funding for the Kentucky Lock
Project in the U.S. Corps of Engineers FY96 budget
In building the interconnected inland waterway system, the federal government has created an invaluable economic
development asset that has paid for Itself many times over. The national economy has grown because of it and depends heavily
on it to continue to develop. We need to recognize that the costs of maintaining and improving the waterway system, while
expensive, are true investments in the future of the economy of this country
Jr. Chairman, we appreciate the excellent work of this important Committee. It is an honor to have the opportunity to appear
before you today and we respectfully urge that the Committee give thoughful consideration to our requests. Thank you.
5th Ave., S.E., SUITE 4 P.O. Box 1745 Decatur, Alabama 35602
185
Tennessee River Valley Association
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FEBRUARY 27, 1996
TESTIMONY
Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee, thank you for allowing me the opportunity
to appear here today. I am Jan Jones, Executive Director of the Tennessee River
Valley Association. Our organization - TRVA - is a regional, non-partisan economic
development association representing the citizens of the seven states which make up
the Tennessee Valley. Appearing with me today is TRVA's President, Dennis Prince.
Mr. Prince operates the Tennessee Southern Railroad Company, a shortline railroad
running from Columbia, Tennessee to Florence, Alabama.
I could not begin talking about energy and water development and the
appropriations that make these possible without a word of special thanks to all of you
who serve on this committee. TRVA members appreciate your wisdom in funding
projects that have served to improve not only the nation's economy, but also the quality
of life for people throughout the United States. We especially appreciate the
leadership of Congressman Tom Bevill and Congressman John Myers whose names
are synonymous with progress. Congressman Bevill, Congressman Myers, we will miss
you. Truly, sirs, yours will be a hard act to follow.
Mr. Chairman, children of the Depression as well as "baby boomers" understand the
problems of dwindling budgets and limited resources and the need to make every dollar
count. Like you, we realize the need to support those projects that provide the most
benefit to the most people. For that rsason, the Tennessee River Valley Association's
membership has asked me to speak to you today in support of programs that have
worked, are working and must continue to work.
In short, TRVA members have instructed me to speak to you on behalf of the
Tennessee Valley Authority and its FY97 budget. Since its founding more than 60
years ago, this innovative development agency has improved the lives of millions
across the country. With TVA assistance, sharecroppers have become farm owners.
Angry, swollen rivers have been harnessed to do a job. Dam has become a word that
means jobs, energy, transportation and safety. People from throughout the United
States and the world come to the Tennessee Valley to observe, to learn, to experience
and to adopt the innovative TVA programs developed with monies you have
appropriated.
1408 5th Ave., S.E., SUITE 4 P.O. Box 1745 Decatur, Alabama 35602
186
We have mentioned dams and rivers because they represent an important part of
what TVA Is all about. But, building dams, controlling rivers and maintaining lands
where people live and work are only part of the story. No matter where you live in
these United States, TVA has served as a teacher and role model In such areas as:
- energy generation and conservation
- pollution control
- clean water
- environmental waste
- waste management
- agricultural technology
- economic development
- stewardship of our natural resources
TVA is a vital part of our past, our present, our future. For this reason, the
Tennessee River Valley Association members urge you to restore the Tennessee
Valley Authority's funding to $130-140 million. Those of us who live and work in the
Valley can testify that TVA funding nets $1 worth of value for every $1 invested. We
ask you to continue your support for these programs that are our very lifeblood.
Thanks to funding appropriated last year, TVA has made great progress in
correcting a very dangerous situation below Pickwick Lock and will complete the
channel improvement project this summer.
* CHICKAMAUGA LOCK PROJECT
There now exists the real threat of shutting down the Upper Tennessee River. The
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is nearing completion of its Final Environmental
Impact Statement (FEIS) of options to resolve navigation problems at Chickamauga
Lock. The lock is located on the Tennessee River just upstream from Chattanooga.
Completed in 1937, the aging lock has experienced severe structural deterioration
caused by the expansion of the concrete used to build it. Engineering analysis shows
that constant repairs can only keep the lock operational until 2005. In addition, the lock
is small (60 by 360 feet) and can only accommodate one barge at a time whereas
modern locks downstream can accommodate up to nine barges per lockage.
The FEIS, which will be completed by March 1996, focuses on two options: (1)
permanent closure of the lock in 2005 and (2) construction of a new lock prior to
closing the existing lock. We are now faced with an either/or situation.
The preferred alternative is to construct a new 1 10 by 600 foot lock before it is
necessary to close the existing lock. Upon approval of a decision by the TVA Board of
Directors, design of the new lock could begin in late FY96 and construction completed
by 2005. The cost of a new lock would be $21 1 million (1996 dollars), with an
approximate 5 to 1 B/C ratio. About $4 million will be needed in FY97.
187
Permanent closure of the lock, wtilch would Involve removing the lock gates, placing
a concrete plug in the lock chamber and reinforcing the w/alls, would cost approximately
$6.8 million. There would be no cost-benefit to a permanent closure, only what savings
that would be gained by loss of normal operating cost which would be negligible.
Closure of the lock would effectively abandon 290 miles of the nation's interconnected
inland waterway system and cut off water transportation benefits to all of the upper
Tennessee area. It would also curtail all recreational traffic movement between
Chickamauga and points upstream. Permanent closure would have devastating
economic consequences.
Mr Chairman, this country is dependent on our inland watenway system for the
continued movement of commerce. The loss or failure of any portion of that waterway
network affects the immediate area in which it's located but also affects at least the 2/3
of the country which utilize our inland waterways office.
The industries, which employs thousands, located upstream from Chickamauga, are
affiliated with, receive goods from or ship products to other business and industries
nationally and internationally. These industries depend on low cost, fuel efficient water
transportation Moving materials by barge limits truck traffic, which in turn reduces air
pollution, vehicular accidents, highway maintenance, and the number of tires going to
landfills. In addition to commercial traffic, recreational traffic through locks on the
inland waterways adds substantially to each area's economy.
Mr. Chairman, we earnestly encourage this Committee's support of continued
funding for the Chickamauga Lock Project in TVA's FY97 budget.
• KENTUCKY LOCK ADDITION PROJECT
Situated near the mouth of the Tennessee River, Kentucky Lock provides the
gateway from the Northeast to the Southeast, Gulf of Mexico and the World. Kentucky
Lock also acts as the door to a backup system for the inland waterway. In times of
drought, as in 1988, an alternate route to the lovi/er Mississippi Is available through
Kentucky Lock to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Watenway and the Gulf of Mexico. This is
economically important as well as tieneficial to national defense.
Most barge traffic uses Kentucky Lock instead of nearby Barkley Lock
lower Tennessee River below Kentucky Lock is $0.50/ton cheaper than the narrow,
sinuous, 50% one-way traffic lower Cumbertand River below Barkley Lock. The
Kentucky Lock/Tennessee River route is cheaper, faster and much safer to navigate
which causes congestion and delay at Kentucky Lock.
In addition, Kentucky's 600' chamber is too small to handle a modern 15-barge tow
without two lockages. This greatly increases the processing time, further compounds
the problem of congestion, and gives Kentucky Lock one of the highest transit times In
188
the inland watenways. Transit times through either Kentucky or Barl<ley Locks are
significantly increased when either lock is closed for maintenance.
Major maintenance at the existing Kentucky Lock will require the lock be closed for a
130 days in 2009 and 130 days in 2010. During the two closure periods, delays at
Barkley could exceed 1 50 hours. Without the new Kentucky Lock in place, by the year
2009 and 2010 down time will cost industry up to $250,000,000.
In 1992 the Nashville District produced a feasibility report titled "Lower Cumberland
and Tennessee Rivers - Final Feasibility Study - Kentucky Lock Addition," which
recommended the addition of a new 110 foot by 1200 foot lock estimated to cost $448
million at October 1991 prices ($492 million at October 1995 prices).
The Feasibility Report is at the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Work's
office awaiting their recommendation to congress for authorization. The next step is
authorization in the Water Resources Development Act. Congress appropriated
$500,000 in FY93 for continued design and engineering. These funds were expended
for reanalysis of the project formulation. The FY94, FY95 and FY96 Appropriations
Acts directed that $2,000,000 for each of those years be expended for design activities,
hydraulic modeling and geotechnical explorations. In 1995 the Nashville District
completed Innovative Design/Cost Reductions studies which reduced the total
construction cost by $97,100,000. The current cost estimate is $395.0 million (October
1995) and $530 million Fully Funded with a current B/C ratio of 2.4 to 1.
We support a continuation of funding for the Kentucky Lock Project in the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers FY96 budget.
In building the interconnected inland watenway system, the federal government has
created an invaluable economic development asset that has paid for itself many times
over. The national economy has grown because of it and depends heavily on it to
continue to develop. We need to recognize that the costs of maintaining and improving
the waterway system, while expensive, are true investments in the future of the
economy of this country.
Mr. Chairman, we appreciate the excellent work of this important Committee. It is an
honor to have the opportunity to appear before you today and we respectfully urge that
the Committee give thoughtful consideration to our requests. Thank you.
189
TENNESSEE RIVER VALLEY ASSOCIATION
PACT SHEET
CHICKAMADGA LOCK:
THE PROBLEM, THE OPPORTDNITIBS
what are
the
options?
what is
being done?
what would
it cost and
what is the
value of
the lock?
where can I
get more
information?
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is nearing
completion of its Final Environmental Impact
Statement (FEIS) of options to resolve navigation
problems at Chickamauga Lock. The lock is located
on the Tennessee River just upstream from
Chattanooga. Completed in 1937, the aging lock
has experienced severe structural deterioration
caused by concrete growth. Constant repairs are
required to keep the lock in operation.
Engineering analysis shows that repairs can only
keep the lock operational until 2005. In
addition, the lock is small (60 by 360 feet) and
can only accommodate one barge at a time whereas
modem locks downstream can accommodate up to nine
barges per lockage.
The FEIS focuses on two options: (1) permanent
closure of the lock in 2005 and (2) construction
of a new lock prior to closing the existing lock.
TVA plans to complete the FEIS by March 1996. The
preferred alternative is to construct a new 110 by
600 foot lock prior to closing the existing lock.
Upon approval of the record of decision of the TVA
Board of Directors, design of the new lock could
begin in late fiscal year 1996.
The cost of a new lock would be $211 million (1996
dollars) . The project would take 10 years to
design and construct. Funding would be by Federal
appropriations.
Industries located upstream from Chickamauga Lock
depend on low cost, fuel efficient water
transportation for the transport of raw
materials. A relicible waterway makes these plants
competitive with other plants in the Nation as
well as attracting new industry to the region.
Moving materials by barge limits truck traffic
which in turn reduces air pollution, vehicular
accidents, highway maintenance, and the number of
tires going to landfills. In addition,
recreational traffic through the lock adds
substantially to the region's economy every year
with special events like the River Bend Festival,
Fall Color Cruise and VOL Navy.
If you or your organization would like more
information, and/or speakers regarding Chickamauga
Lock, contact TRVA at (205) 355-4660.
P.O. Box 1745
Decatur. Alabama 35602
190
TENNESSEE RIVER VALLEY ASSOCIATION
TVA-S ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER
TVA's Clean Wafer Initiative is doing innovative and economical activities to prevent pollution
in the region's lakes, river, and steams The idea is to protect the water quality so that present
and future generations can enjoy the economic and recreational l>enefits of clean water TVA
has set up River Action Teams (RATS) In several watersheds in the region to help protect the
quality of the water. TVA's RATS are building partnerships with local people and those that vwrk
with them from other State and Federal agencies. Together, they're trying to get the most
environmental benefit from each dollar spent in their areas.
The RATs efforts are paying off. Last year, 22,500 volunteer hours were logged in
monitoring and clearing up lakes, rivers, and streams RATs helped start over 40 local coalitions
to tackle water quality problems, stabilized 9,300 feet of shoreline, and implemented 43 best
management practices such as building constructed wetlands, fencing, and steambank
revegetation. The partnerships are paying off. Water quality is being improved and the TVA
RATS are accomplishing more with the funding they get from Congress.
TVA's RAT team in the Chickamauga-Nickajack area is wori^ing with a nonprofit citizens
group to reduce acid-mine drainage by installing treatment systems. They're also stabilizing
streambanks to help prevent nonpoint source pollution and sedimentation of the lakes The
partners are also working with schools and communities in the watershed to enlist their help in
preventing and solving environmental problems.
TVA's work is new, innovative, and is being recommended for use in other regions. The EPA,
USDA, and other agencies have noticed TVA's wortt and have become partners in the region.
This makes all their work more effective and prevents duplication.
In addition, the national organization. Water Quality 2000, has evaluated TVA's work in its
Clean Water Initiative. The group is a coalition of over 70 different national organizations
representing public and private entities across the nation Their evaluation concluded that TVA's
Clean Water Initiative should be expanded, promoted, and replicated in other watersheds.
I attention that shows how effective TVA is using the funding your
committee provides. What TVA is doing in the region to protect the quality of v»ater in the
regions lakes, rivers, and streams can be used all across the country
So it is with TVA's Environmental Research Center at Muscle Shoals, Alabama. It is a fact
that TVA operates the nation's most effective public research laboratory for inventing new ways
to solve agricultural, minicipal, and industrial pollution problems. It Is truly a national
organization and the research that they conduct there is returning excellent benefits. Throughout
its history, TVA has been heavily involved in helping keep agriculture sustainable, competitive,
and internationally prominent. Its past work in agricultural research helped make US agriculture
the envy of the worid
Today, the Environmental Research Center is discovering new and low«r cost ways to reduce
pollution of air. land, and water. If our region and nation are to keep the economy growing. w«
must have new technologies to operate our farms, factories, and cities in environmentally
responsible ways. The research that your funding provides, is already making progress in
helping the nation avoid a crisis in managing agricultural, municipal, and Industrial wastes.
The leaders of the Environmental Research Center are looking for ways to increase their
funding from private businesses and other agencies And they have some excellent
technologies and technical assistance to provide in cleaning up contaminated sites. The Center
should be encouraged to speed up efforts to get additional funding to find the new ways of
solving pollution problems that our nation so sorely needs.
City Hall Tower P.O. Box 1745 Decatur, Alabama 35602 205/355-4660
191
There is one area of research that TVA is leading the nation on It is responding to the
national â– â– jncern alxjut low-level ozone problems m many highly populated regions of the
country Most of us think about how important the ozone layer is in the upper atmosphere It
protects us from the very harmful rays of the sun The low-level ozone is a bad factor and I call
it the bad ozone It hovers in our major cities and In some rural areas and is causing a lot of
medical problems such as respiratory ailments It seems to be getting more serious each year.
TVA's Environmental Research Center is leading the Southern Oxidant's Study. This is really
a national study cosponsored by TVA, NOAA, EPA, USDA, DOE, leading universities, and
several industry groups They have targeted the Nashville, Tennessee area as a site to monitor
low-level ozone and try to determine its sources and find ways to reduce its effect on the
population They are finding that thjs bad ozone is causing agriculture crop loses and is affecting
economic growth Bad ozone can be one of the reasons that economic expansion is limited in
some industrial areas The air is already so bad that some cities can't approve more expansion
TVA's work in this area is vital to the nation We must find the exact cause of the formation
of this bad ozone and find reasonsable ways to solve the problem
TVA's Environmental Research Center also has a constructed vuetlands research facility. The
work they're doing there is helping find ways to make constructed wetlands more efficient in
cleaning up waste streams from industry and agriculture EPA, USDA, and leading universities
are cooperating in this work and sanction w/hat TVA is doing Constructed ««tlands offer a very
real and efficient way to treat many of our wastes in the region and nation
The Environmental Research Center is also finding ways to help TVA's RATS prevent and
clean up the pollution in lakes, rivers, and streams They're working with farmers, USDA. EPA,
and others to find ways to capture nutrients and pesticides from agricultural runoff from entering
lakes, rivers, and streams They're looking for ways to convert animal wastes into beneficial
products solving a waste problem and creating some economic value And the Center is
working with DOD and DOE to clean up a variety of military sites around the nation where severe
contamination is found
All these examples of their work clearly show the national asset of TVA's Environmental
Research Center Their scientists are making great strides in helping solve agricultural,
municipal, and industrial pollution problems But there's a lot of work yet to be done.
The work TVA is doing to find ways to promote sustainable economic progress is sound and
is good for the nation Although TVA is a regional organization, its work has impact throughout
the nation Let's look upon it as a national asset that is helping find new and more efficient ways
to keep our farms, factories, and cities economically sound and environmentally acceptable.
192
KENTUCKY LOCK ADDITION
PROJECT UPDATE
Proposed Project:
Construction of a 110'xl200' new lock chambei
adjacent to the existing lock at the Kentucky
Project on the Tennessee River. Cost is
$395,000,000 in Oct 95 doUars. One-half of the
construction funds would come from the Inland
Waterways Trust Fund. The project would create
about 500 jobs during the peak seven years of
constructioa The project has a 2.4 to 1 B/C.
The Problem at Kentucky Lock:
Most barge traffic uses Kentucky Lock instead of
nearby Barkley Lock because the lower Teimesse
River below Kentucky Lock is $0.50/ton cheaper
than the narrow, sinuous, 50% one-way ti^Iic
lower Cumberland River below Barkley Lock.
The Kentucky Locl^ennessee River route is
cheaper, faster and much safer to navigate. This
causes congestion and delay at Kentucky Lock.
In addition, Kentucky's 600* chamber is too
small to handle a modem 15-barge tow
without two lockages. This greatly increases the
processing time and further compounds die
problem of congestion and gives Kentucky Lock
one of the highest transit times in the inland
waterways. Transit times through either
Kentucky or Barkley Locks are significantly
increased when either lock is closed for
KENTUCKY-BARKLEY SYSTEM
Tonnage By Commodity 1991, 1992 & 1993
PETKOLEUM
MFG GOODS
CHEMICALS
FASMPROD
MATERIALS
COAL
â–¡ IWl 3UJ
■31M2 Jt.1 «
KENTUCKY & BARKLEY LOCKS
Tonnage In 1991,1992 & 1993
CUMUIjiTlVE-IONS
â–¡ 1991 "1992 "1993
The Feasibility Report, approved 1 June 1992 by the Chief of Engineers, is at the Assistant Secretary of the
Army for Civil Works office awaiting thier recommendation to Congress for authorization. The next step is