necessary for the full time operation of the federal waterway facilities and projects in Alabama.
The federal support is necessar>' to ensure the continuation of these projects and to allow for use
of these important facilities, both public and private. The federal funding, while an essential
element, however, represents only a portion of the investment and commitment necessary to
utilize these resources A combination of local investment, both private and public, is also
necessary to gain benefits for our citizens
On January 3, 1992, the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MO A) concerning interstate water resource
issues in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa (ACT) and the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF)
River Basins This agreement will terminate on September 30, 1996. The MOA temporarily set
aside the interstate dispute between the parties, while Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and the Corps
of Engineers jointly participate in the ACT/ ACF Comprehensive Water Resources Study. This
study will provide information which will assist in an understanding of the capabilities of the water
resources to meet the forecast needs of the region for the foreseeable future It should also
provide tools to evaluate water management options to meet future demands with the finite water
resources. Hopefully, the study will also recommend an appropriate and agreeable management
structure for the ACT and ACF basins We anticipate this study will provide a basis for a better
understanding for our water resources resulting in negotiations that provide an equitable sharing
of interstate water.
With the continued endorsement of the Subcommittee in providing the fijnding necessary for
the federal water resource projects in Alabama, I believe we can successfully address the complex
issues facing us and best utilize these water resources to the benefit of the Nation.
Thank you, and the other members of the Subcommittee, for your support of the federal
water resource projects and activities in Alabama and the nation
Sincerely,
Jl^^gf^^tV*^.^,'^
Fob James, Jr
Governor
107
COOSA-ALABAMA RIVER IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION'S
DELEGATION
APPEARING BEFORE THE HOUSE. SUBCOMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
FOR ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS
FEBRUARY 27, 1996
Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2362-B, Washington, D.C.
1. J.T. "Tom" McKenzie, Pres., C. A.R.I. A., Gadsden, AL
2. Jerry L. Sailors, Executive Vice Pres. C. A. R.I. A., Montgomery, AL
3. Mayor Sue Glidewell, Rainbow City, AL
4. Walter B. Stevenson, Jr., State of Alabama, ADECA, Montgomery, AL
5. Judge Otha Lee Biggs, Monroe County, Monroeville, AL
6. John Carey, Alabama State Docks, Mobile, AL
7. Bill Satterfield, Balch &. Bingham, Birmingham, AL
8. Jim Harrington, Rome City Commission, Rome, GA
108
Qy
OFFICERS
J. T. Mckenzie
B. H. MOONEY, III
VICE PRESIDENT
HOME. GEORGIA
LISTER HILL PROCTOR
VICE PRESIDENT
SVLACAUGA. ALABAMA
ROBERT F HENRY, JR.
SECHETAflYTHEASURER
MONTGOMERY. ALABAMA
OUSA-ALABAMA RIVER IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, inc.
60 COMMERCE ST . SUITE 1201
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104-3563
(334) 265-5744 FAX (334) 265-6248
STATEMENT OF THE
COOSA-ALABAMA RIVER IMPROVEMENT
ASSOCIATION, INC.,
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
PRESENTED BY:
J. THOMAS MCKENZIE, PRESIDENT
HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
FOR ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT
- MR. JOHN MYERS, CHAIRMAN -
10:40 A.M., TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1996
'Over 100 Years Of Service To State And Nation"
109
MR. CHAIRMAN & DISTINGUISHED COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
THIS STATEMENT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
A) A PLEA TO EXERCISE CAUTION AND DUE DELIBERATION BEFORE MAKING
CUTS IN OUR NATION'S TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.
B) A REQUEST FOR SUPPORT IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
1) O&M FUNDING FOR THE COOSA-ALABAMA BASINS AS WELL AS
MOBILE HARBOR;
2) FUNDING FOR THE STUDY OF A FOURTH LOCK AND DAM ON THE
ALABAMA RIVER;
3) REOPENING THE COOSA NAVIGATION PROJECT;
4) RESISTING ANY ATTEMPT TO RAISE USER FUEL TAXES ON THE
INLAND RIVER NAVIGATION INDUSTRY;
5) CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE BASIN MANAGEMENT
STUDY ;
6) AMENDING THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 197 3 WITH
REASONABLE AND EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS
AS WELL AS THE ENVIRONMENT.
EXPAMDED STATEMENT
THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN, FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT TO
THIS SUBCOMMITTEE MY PERSPECTIVE ON SEVERAL TOPICS OF INTEREST TO
THE MEMBERS OF THE COOSA-ALABAMA RIVER IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, A
105-YEAR OLD ORGANIZATION THAT PROMOTES THE ECONOMIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ALABAMA-COOSA-TALLAPOOSA RIVER
BASIN FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE WHO RESIDE IN THAT
BASIN. I SPEAK FOR A LARGE AND DIVERSE GROUP OF PRIVATE CITIZENS
AND POLITICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS WHO SEE THE CONTINUED
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COOSA-ALABAMA WATERWAY AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR
ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND WHO REGARD THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF WATER
RESOURCES WITHIN THE RIVER BASINS AS A VITAL INTEREST OF THE
CITIZENS WHO LIVE THERE.
OUR MEMBERSHIP REFLECTS A BROAD RANGE OF CALLINGS AND
PROFESSIONS, FROM SHIPPERS AND TOW OPERATORS TO BUSINESSMEN,
BANKERS, AND A VARIETY OF OTHER PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A
STAKE IN FUTURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THEIR FIRMS OR SUCCESSORS
TO ENJOY. THEN THERE IS A LARGE GROUP OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AND
THEIR CONSTITUENTS TYPICAL OF THE TWENTY-THREE MUNICIPALITIES AND
NINETEEN COUNTIES ALONG THE WATERWAY WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THIS
ASSOCIATION. THESE MEMBERS ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO DEVELOP OUR
WATERWAY INTO A PRODUCTIVE PART OF THE RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE
STATE AND NATION. THEIR EFFORTS SPRING FROM A DESIRE NOT ONLY TO
110
IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF ENHANCED TRANSPORTATION
AVAILABLE TO USERS, BUT TO PROVIDE A MEANS OF GROWTH.
I WOULD LIKE TO PREFACE OUR REQUESTS FOR SPECIFIC FUNDING
LINES WITH A FEW REMARKS REGARDING THE MOOD AND TONE OF CURRENT
BUDGET CUTTING EXERCISES WITHIN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AS THEY
APPLY TO OUR NATION'S WATERWAYS.
THE CURRENT BUDGET DELIBERATIONS ARE DIFFICULT, BUT IN THE
COURSE OF RESOLVING THE DIFFERENCES THAT NOW EXIST, CONGRESS MUST
PROTECT THE NATION'S TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE. WE URGE
CAUTION AND DUE DELIBERATION BEFORE MAKING EXPEDIENT CUTS IN THAT
INFRASTRUCTURE. NOTABLE AMONG THE IDEAS SURFACING THIS PAST YEAR
WAS THE PROPOSED SALE OF THE SOUTHEASTERN POWER ADMINISTRATION
(SEPA) , INCLUDING LOCKS, DAMS, AND RESERVOIRS, TO PRIVATE
INTERESTS. EMPHASIS IN THIS PROPOSAL WAS ON SEPA'S POWER
GENERATION CAPABILITY, ALMOST TO THE EXCLUSION OF THOSE FACILITIES
THAT SUPPORT THE NAVIGATION INDUSTRY: LOCKS, DAMS, AND RESERVOIRS.
MANAGEMENT OF THOSE LOCKS, DAMS, AND RESERVOIRS IS A COMPLEX,
CLOSELY COORDINATED OPERATION, ABSOLUTELY VITAL TO PROPER
NAVIGATION CONDITIONS. ON THE COOSA-ALABAMA SYSTEM, THAT
MANAGEMENT IS PROVIDED BY THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND ALABAMA POWER
COMPANY. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT SELLING THE LOCKS, DAMS, AND
RESERVOIRS TO OTHER, PERHAPS MULTIPLE, OWNERS CAN ONLY MAKE A
COMPLICATED MANAGEMENT ACTION EVEN MORE SO TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE
NAVIGATION INDUSTRY. WE HAVE NO OBJECTIONS TO SELLING THE POWER
GENERATION CAPABILITY OF THE SEPA FACILITIES, BUT URGE THAT
MANAGEMENT OF LOCKS AND RESERVOIRS REMAIN IN THE HANDS OF THE CORPS
OF ENGINEERS. THERE IS PRECEDENT FOR THIS ARRANGEMENT: ALABAMA
POWER COMPANY OPERATES THE POWER GENERATION FACILITIES ON BOTH
BANKHEAD DAM AND HOLT DAM ON THE BLACK WARRIOR RIVER WHILE THE
CORPS OF ENGINEERS MANAGES THE RESERVOIRS AND LOCKS.
WITH THAT BEING SAID, MR. CHAIRMAN, SINCE THE CORPS OF
ENGINEERS BUDGET HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED, WE URGE THAT PRIORITIES
WITHIN YOUR APPROPRIATION BE ON MAINTAINING THE OPERATIONS AND
MAINTENANCE FOR PROJECTS IN THE COOSA-ALABAMA RIVER SYSTEM AND IN
MOBILE HARBOR AT LEVELS EQUAL TO THAT OF FY 96. WE ARE CONCERNED
THAT ANY BUDGET STRATEGY THAT REDUCES FUNDING FOR THE OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF INLAND AND INTRACOASTAL WATERWAYS WILL HAVE A
DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. WE CANNOT
ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN. IN THE ALABAMA-COOSA RIVER BASIN, EXISTING
RIVER PROJECTS AND FACILITIES SUPPORT THE COMMERCIAL NAVIGATION,
HYDROPOWER, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SO CRITICAL TO OUR REGION'S
ECONOMY. SO 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. WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING FUNDING LINES:
ASSOCIATION'S
BUDGET REQUEST
$
,668,
,000
$
,156,
,000
$
,688,
,000
$
17,
,780,
,000
$
,894,
,000
$
,218,
,000
$
300,
,000
111
ALABAMA-COOSA RIVER, AL*
(AL RIVER INCL CLAIBORNE L&D)
MILLER'S FERRY L&D
ROBERT F. HENRY L&D
MOBILE HARBOR
LAKE ALLATOONA, GA
CARTERS LAKE, GA
LOWER ALABAMA NAVIGATION STUDY (AL
RIVER SOUTH OF CLAIBORNE)
- FEASIBILITY PHASE
TOTALS $ 4 3,7 04,000
♦INCLUDES 72 MILES FROM THE MOUTH OF THE ALABAMA RIVER THROUGH
CLAIBORNE L&D TO MILLER'S FERRY. COOSA RIVER NOT INCLUDED. ALSO
INCLUDES MONIES FOR LAND ACQUISITION AND MONITORING PROGRAMS.
ONCE THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS' BUDGET IS RELEASED, WE WOULD LIKE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO REVISE OUR REQUESTED FUNDING LINES AS NECESSARY.
TO ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL TRAFFIC, AND EVEN TO
MAINTAIN THAT WHICH CURRENTLY PLIES THE WATERS, WE MUST IMPROVE THE
INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE RIVER SYSTEM. OVER THIS PAST YEAR, SEVERAL
BUSINESSES HAVE INQUIRED ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA AS A POTENTIAL
LOCATION FOR THEIR OPERATION, BUT WHERE ALL OTHER CONDITIONS FOR
THEIR RELOCATION WERE FAVORABLE, THE UNFAVORABLE RELIABILITY OF THE
ALABAMA RIVER AS A TRANSPORTATION NODE DETERRED THEM. WHO KNOWS
HOW MANY OTHERS ELIMINATED THE AREA BEFORE EVEN INQUIRING BECAUSE
OF THE RIVER RELIABILITY? WE HAVE RECEIVED INQUIRIES IN OUR OFFICE
FROM FORMER USERS OF THE RIVER WHO, HAVING CEASED OPERATIONS DUE TO
THE UNFAVORABLE RELIABILITY, WANTED TO KNOW IF THE CONDITIONS HAD
BEEN IMPROVED BECAUSE THEY WERE STILL INTERESTED IN DOING BUSINESS
NEAR MONTGOMERY. WHILE THE ENTIRE ALABAMA RIVER PRESENTS
NAVIGATION CHALLENGES, THE MAJOR PROBLEMS ARE BELOW CLAIBORNE DAM
WHERE PREVIOUS INVESTMENTS IN TRAINING DIKES AND DEVICES HAVE ONLY
SLIGHTLY IMPROVED THE NAVIGATION CONDITIONS IN THAT AREA. THE MOST
EFFECTIViT SOLUTION TO THAT PROBLEM IS A FOURTH LOCK AND DAM TO BE
CONSTRUCTED AT THE APPROPRIATE SITE. CORPS OF ENGINEERS-MOBILE IS
CURRENTLY CONDUCTING A RECONNAISSANCE STUDY OF THAT OPTION. WE
STRONGLY SUPPORT THAT STUDY AND URGE THAT FUNDING OF AT LEAST
$300,000 BE AVAILABLE FOR A FOLLOW-ON FEASIBILITY STUl Y . WE MUST
IMPROVE THE NAVIGATION CONDITIONS IN THAT PART OF THE RIVER TO HAVE
ANY HOPE OF ENTICING RIVER-DEPENDENT INDUSTRY TO CHOOSE THE ALABAMA
RIVER BASIN AS ITS HOME.
112
AS YOU ARE AWARE, MR. CHAIRMAN, ONE OF OUR ASSOCIATION'S MAJOR
GOALS IS THE COMPLETION OF A NAVIGABLE WATERWAY FROM MOBILE TO
ROME, GEORGIA. THE HISTORY OF THE COOSA RIVER PROJECT IS WELL
KNOWN BY THIS COMMITTEE, BUT THE PROPOSAL IS IN LINE WITH OUR
EMPHASIS ON BOTH INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND THE CREATION OF JOBS
AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY THROUGHOUT OUR REGION. PLEASE REMEMBER
THAT THE PRE-DESIGN ENGINEERING SURVEYS ARE COMPLETE, SO THAT ONE
OF THE MOST TIME-CONSUMING REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT IS ALREADY
ON THE SHELF. WE ARE WELL AWARE OF THE RESTRICTIVE FUNDING FOR
SUCH UNDERTAKINGS IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT, BUT ASK THE COMMITTEE
TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE COMPLETION OF SUCH A PROJECT IS ONE OF
LARGEST AND MOST RAPID GENERATORS OF JOBS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. WE
OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE OF THE COOSA-ALABAMA RIVER BASIN, THE STATES
OF ALABAMA AND GEORGIA, AND THE ENTIRE REGION TO MAINTAIN THE
VISION OF COMPLETING THIS WATERWAY.
ANOTHER MECHANISM TO MAKE THE RIVER SYSTEM ATTRACTIVE TO
POTENTIAL USERS IS TO KEEP THE COST OF SHIPPING VIA WATERWAYS AS
LOW AS POSSIBLE. A POPULAR SUGGESTION TO DEFRAY SOME OF THE COSTS
OF MAINTAINING AND UPGRADING OUR NATION'S WATERWAYS IS TO INCREASE
A USER'S FUEL TAX. ANALYSES OF PREVIOUS PROPOSALS INDICATE THAT
SUCH AN INCREASE WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON CONSUMER PRICES
AND TRADE BALANCE IN THE SHORT RUN, AND IN THE LONG RUN ON THE
ABILITY OF THE FEDERAL-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO MAINTAIN THE SYSTEM.
THE NATION'S WATERWAY SYSTEM IS A NATIONAL ASSET. THE ENTIRE
NATION BENEFITS FROM IT, AND IT SHOULD BE FUNDED AS SUCH, NOT ON
THE BACKS OF THOSE WHO HAPPEN TO OPERATE VESSELS OR SHIP
COMMODITIES ON ITS WATERS. ~-
ANOTHER ISSUE THAT COULD RAISE THE SPECTER OF INCREASING USER
TAXES IS THE DECISION OF THE U.S. COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE TO
DECLARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL THE EXPORT FEES CURRENTLY COLLECTED IN THE
HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND. THERE IS THE PROSPECT ALSO THAT
IMPORT FEES MAY BE CHALLENGED AS WELL. THE COURT'S DECISION IS ON
APPEAL BY THE ADMINISTRATION, BUT SHOULD THE DECISION BE UPHELD AND
EXPORT FEES ARE ELIMINATED, AND SHOULD IMPORT FEES BE SUCCESSFULLY
CHALLENGED, IT WILL BE A SEVERE BLOW TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS
BUDGET. THIS FUND PROVIDES APPROXIMATELY $500 MILLION A YEAR TO
THE CORPS TO MAINTAIN THE NATION'S DEEP WATER PORTS. IF THAT $500
MILLION IS LOST, WE FEAR THAT PRIORITIES FOR CORPS FUNDING WILL GO
TO DEEP WATER PORTS AT THE EXPENSE OF MAINTENANCE ON OUR INLAND
WATERWAYS, AND THAT PROPONENTS OF INCREASING USER TAXES WILL SEEK
TO RECOVER SOME OF THE LOST FUNDING ON THE BACKS OF INLAND WATERWAY
SHIPPERS AND CARRIERS.
MR. CHAIRMAN, SINCE 1992 THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS SPONSORED
A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE WATER RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THE ALABAMA-
COOSA-TALLAPOOSA AND THE APALACHICOLA-CHATTAHOOCHEE-FLINT RIVER
BASINS, THE NEED FOR THAT WATER, AND SOME MECHANISM TO MANAGE THOSE
RESOURCES THROUGH THE YEAR 2050. WHILE FUNDING FOR THAT STUDY ENDS
WITH THIS FISCAL YEAR, WE URGE CONGRESS TO ENCOURAGE THE STATES OF
113
ALABAMA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA TO PERSEVERE IN THEIR EFFORTS TO
DEVELOP A LASTING AGREEMENT ON THE DISPOSITION OF ALL THE VITAL
WATER RESOURCES IN THE REGION.
LASTLY, WE ASK CONGRESS TO MODIFY THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
TO REQUIRE AN ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FACTORS AND
IMPACTS ON ALL CONCERNED BEFORE APPROVAL FOR AN OFFICIAL LISTING
CAN BE MADE. OUR ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS REASONABLE AND EFFECTIVE
MEASURES TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT, BUT THOSE MEASURES MUST
BALANCE THE ROLE OF A PARTICULAR SPECIES IN THE NATURE OF THINGS
AGAINST THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE. WE CAN ONLY POINT TO PREVIOUS
EXAMPLES, OF WHICH THE COMMITTEE IS WELL AWARE, OF HOW FAILURE TO
ADDRESS THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF A LISTING BEFOREHAND HAS
CAUSED FAR MORE HAPm TO THE HUMAN POPULATION THAN WAS WARRANTED.
WE DON'T ASK TO DO AWAY WITH THE NEED TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT,
BUT SIMPLY TO MAKE THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AN EFFECTIVE TOOL
WITH WHICH THIS NATION CAN PROGRESS.
IN CLOSING, MR. CHAIRMAN, WE REQUEST YOUR SUPPORT IN THE
FOLLOWING AREAS:
1) O&M 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 NAVIGATION PROJECT;
4) RESISTING ANY ATTEMPT TO RAISE USER FUEL TAXES ON THE INLAND
RIVER NAVIGATION INDUSTRY;
*
5) CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE BASIN WATER
MANAGEMENT STUDY; AND
6) AMENDING THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 TO REQUIRE AN
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT ANALYSIS PRIOR TO LISTING AND TO
ESTABLISH A BALANCE IN THE PROSECTION OF SUCH A LISTING.
MR. CHAIRMAN, WE WISH TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS OUR
GRATITUDE TO YOU, MR. BEVILL, AND TO YOU, MR. MYERS, AND ALL
MEMBERS OF YOUR COMMITTEE, FOR YOUR SUPPORT WHILE YOU HAVE BEEN IN
CONGRESS. WE CONGRATULATE YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE AND WISH YOU
GODSPEED AND FAIR WEATHER UPON YOUR RETIREMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
SERVICE.
RESPECTFULLY ,
J.T. MCKENZIE
COOSA-ALABAMA RIVER
IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
114
ROBERT M . CRESWELL
CONSULTANT
500 BROAD STREET
CAMDEN, AL 36726
(205) 682-9576
February 27, 1^96
Honorable Jolin T. llyorr;. Chairman
HousG oubcoinmittee on Appropriations
Tor Energy and ijater Development
U. S. House of Representatives
2372 Rayburn House ftiilciing
Washingt.on, DC 20^1?
Dear Uopresnntntivo Tlyerr; ;
As a foi'iiirjr R-souvc; ^^rin..i',uy for 1.^ yeai-s >d.th the Corps of Knginoers, I liave an
abUiiny itiicrest iu ilio Coosa-Alabania River Project and support the rioosa-Alabama
River Improvement Assn., Tnc. in its request for FT96 in its effort to maintain
and extend the navigable project,
I feel that a resumption of the design and engineering work suspended in 1903'
should be resumed and the present waterway on the Alabama River from Mobile to
Montgomery should be maintained, including dredging, and the channel, locks,
dams, powerhouses and recreational facilities operated officientajr. Funding of a study
to make the lower Alabama River usable year-round and construction of a fourth dam
below Claiborne Lock L Dam is urged.
When the project was placed in operation, investors in industrial P^^^. f °"f„J^^d
channel a^d the general public were assured that a 9-foot channel "°^if^^« ^^^^3
and that the public would have access to the river for recreation at numerous landings
and ramps.
In addition, the Comgress should continue to support the study of the Corps of Bjgin-
cers and Allbama/Oeorgia/Florida to resolve the two-basin water dispute now Pending,
I aLrurgryS^ to support the amending of the Endangered Species Act to require the
consideration of economic Impacts in a decision to list a ^Pf J^^ ^ ^^^^Ife'Se
threatened as well as mandatory designation of critical habitat . f *J^^J;J^\f ^^^^l^p
species is listed. likewise, the Fish & Wildlife S«^«f /»^°^l<i ^L^l^^S to Se
procedures to share information and specUnens with parties closely related to the
listing process.
Your committee-s consideration of these factors in funding the Coosa-Alabama River
project wHl be appreciated.
Robert M. Creswell ^
115
Alabama Power Company
600 North 181h Street
Post Office Box 2641
Birmingham, Alabama 35291
Telephone: 205 250-2907
Susan N. Story ^V^^
Vice President-Corporale Real Eslale ^"^^
Alabama Power
the southern electric system
February 7, 1996
Honorable John T. Myers, Chairman
House Subcommittee on Appropriations
for Energy and Water Development
2372 Rayburn House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairman Myers:
On behalf of Alabama Power Company I am pleased to submit the attached
statement of support for the FY1997 appropriations request of the
Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association. This association has a long
history of service to the state of Alabama in its efforts to appropriately
develop and utilize the resources of the Coosa-Alabama river system for the
well-being of the State and the Nation.
Sincerely,
Susan N. Story ^
:a3r
Attachment (s)
116
statement of Alabama Power Company
Congressional Appropriations Subcommittees
Washington, D.C.
February 27, 1996
Alabama Power Company appreciates the opportunity to express its support
for the request of the Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association, Inc.,
before the Congressional Appropriations Subcommittees that adequate funding
be appropriated in FY1997 to fund this Association and to satisfactorily
provide essential OtM and capital improvements to navigable waterways in
the state of Alabama maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Proper maintenance and improvement to inland waterways is essential to the
economic well-being of the state, as well as supporting international
commerce so vital to the region and the Nation. Navigable inland waterways
that provide access to international ports provide an alternative
transportation route for bulk and high volume cargo that is essential for
economic competition in the international market place.
Alabama Power Company utilizes inland waterways to barge coal, petroleum,
and other essential commodities to its fossil power plants. This
transportation source not only lowers freight costs, but insures supplies
by providing sources from alternative suppliers throughout the country. It
is important that timely and appropriate channel maintenance and dredging
be performed.
Of special interest to Alabama Power Company is the continued operation and
maintenance of the reservoirs and hydroelectric plants at the Allatoona and
Carters projects. These reservoirs, in conjunction with other storage
reservoirs within the Coosa-Alabama Basin, provide flow essential to
ensuring a dependable and adequate supply of electricity for the Southeast,
at a reasonable cost, and to supporting navigation flows critical to the
operation of the Alabama River navigation channel.
Congress is to be commended for its decision to authorize the Army Corps of
Engineers - working in partnership with Alabama, Georgia, and Florida - to
conduct a Comprehensive Study of the Alabama, Coosa, and Tallapoosa (ACT)
and the Appalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Flint (ACF) river basins.
Important results from this study will be forthcoming in FY1997.
Congress is to be commended for its direct interest and involvement in the
issue of the proposal to list the Alabama River Sturgeon as Rare and
Endangered, and the companion legislation to declare its critical habitat.
Objections raised by the public and by several Congressmen, ultimately
resulted in the withdrawal of this listing proposal. Had this listing
succeeded, tremendous impact to navigation on the Alabama, Warrior, and
Tombigbee waterways would have occurred, with billions of dollars in
associated economic losses.
117
J. T. Jordan Cotton, Inc. p, .o.^os-o^r-seie
Rt.#1.Box78
Centre. Al. 35960
February 27, 1996
Honorable John T. Myers
Chairman
House Subcommittee on Appropriations for
Energy and Water Development
U. S. House of Representatives
2372 Rayburn House Building
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Congressman Myers:
At the momemnt, I do not plan to be with the delegation
of the Alabama River Improvement Association, Inc. when you
are in Washington.
I strongly support the Association requests for FY96. I
am also a part of a collective effort to maintain and extend
the waterway.
Work was suspended on the des ign-^nd^engineer ing on the Coose
Project in 1983, and I would like to see this resumed so it
can be completed.
Since I am a farmer, I want to see lowered freight rates as
manufacturers and farmers compete to improve our balance of
payments. This is also of national interest, not only to
farmers and manufacturers.
Waterways are so important as they provide efficient
transportation productivity which lowers inflation and
reduces national deficits which we desperately need to focus
our attention on.
118
Honorable John T.
Page 2
February 27, 1996
Myers
In my opinion, Congress should continue to support the study
by the Corps of Engineers and Alabama/Georgia/Florida to
resolve the two-basin water dispute in the region.
Your attention to the above matters would be greatly
appreciated to all of us.
119
CITY OF SELMA
SELMA. ALABAMA
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
GLENN SEXTON
February 15, 1996
JEAN T. MARTIN
WARD 3
NANCY GSEWEU
MARK V WEST
WARD 6
WILLIAM C. KING
McARTHUR WILLIAMS
Honorable John T. Myers, Chairman
House Subcommittee on Appropriations
for Energy and Water Development
328 Hart Senate Building
Washingtonm, D.C. 20215
Dear Honorable Myers,
The Mayor and the City Council of Selma, Alabama at the last
council meeting, went on record as strongly supporting the
Coosa-Alabama Association's requests for FY96. The city has
recently completed a successful campaign to support our Economic
Development Authority in their effort to expand our existing
industries and to actively recruit new and relocating companies
to our area. The location of a deep water port at Mobile and the
operation of the Alabama Docks at that location are factors that
greatly enhance the opportunities we can present to industrial
prospects.
River traffic depends on timely and complete dredging of the
waterway and the necessary maintenance for the Alabama River
Channel cannot be over emphasized. In addition this maintenance
and operation of the Alabama River waterway from Montgomery to
Mobile by the Federal Government are essential to those
industries in our area that are presently using river traffic.
Of great concern to all of us is the over emphasis that has
been placed by provisions of the Endangered Species Act with
regard to the Sturgeon, supposed to have been found in the river.