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Aderholt Discusses Bear Creek Dam with TVA Chief Executive: Seeks Update on Status of TVA Actions
Friday April 27, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) met with Tom Kilgore, chief executive officer of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to discuss Bear Creek Dam in Franklin County. Bear Creek dam has had problems with leaking and is in need of repair so that the county’s drinking water supply is not threatened. Up to this point, TVA has been ambiguous about any plans regarding the dam or whether they will make repairs to the dam or attempt to remove it completely.
“Bear Creek Dam is vital to Franklin County and the entire area. County residents are justifiably concerned about the future of their drinking water supply and TVA’s potential actions in the matter,” said Congressman Aderholt. “This is especially true since it was our understanding that it was at TVA’s recommendation that the project was removed from Little Bear Creek Reservoir to its current site at Bear Creek Reservoir.”
In June 2006, then Chairman David Hobson of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water sent a letter to Mr. Kilgore at the request of Congressman Aderholt asking for detailed information on TVA’s plans for the dam. In his September 2006 response, Mr. Kilgore stated that TVA was studying alternatives for stopping the leakage problem at the dam, ranging from repairing to removing the dam. That study is expected to be completed by autumn 2007.
During the course of the meeting Congressman Aderholt expressed his concerns regarding TVA’s lack of a public commitment to begin repairs on the existing dam. Mr. Kilgore was very receptive to the Congressman’s concerns and said that TVA would look at all possible options in the matter.
He concluded, “I believe Mr. Kilgore understood the concerns of our area and the importance of the dam to the county. This problem has far reaching consequences that spread beyond Franklin County. I will continue to remain on top of this issue and work with TVA and Mr. Kilgore to find a solution for the Franklin County area and its residents.”