Kentucky: Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

Friends of Lake Cumberland –

As of this writing – none of the Army Corps of Engineers’ websites below are operational. I have not been told of a reason, nor have I been given an answer as to when they will be back up and functioning. We will keep you posted.

Items like the useable ramps list and “weekly updates” from the Corps are from last week and have not been updated since our last news letter.

The web sites/links listed below under the section “Items of Interest” are also not functioning.

The Lake Cumberland radio ad voiced by Ralph Hacker is now airing on the University of Louisville basketball radio network. It began airing over the weekend. The same aired began airing on the University of Kentucky basketball network last week as well.

WEEKLY UPDATE FROM THE CORPS

Below is a link to the “Weekly Update” put out by The Corps regarding the grouting project:

http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/pao/issues/WOLcommo/pdf/12Feb2007_weekly_update.pdf

RAMP CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO THE CORPS:

Usable
The following are Corps operated and Commercial Marina boat ramps that we believe will be usable at elevation 680 (* these ramps will be monitored closely; conditions are subject to change as the elevation lowers):

	Burnside Island State Park (one lane concrete to gravel, small boats only)
	Cave Creek (approx. 15' of concrete left, then mud)
	Conley Bottom Marina (campground ramp, boats less 20'approx.)
	Fall Creek (small boats less 20'approx.)
	Halcomb's Landing (small boats less 20'approx.)
	Jamestown Marina
	Lee's Ford Marina (launch time may be limited due to on-going construction)
	Waitsboro (small boats less 20'approx.)

Clarification on Lake Cumberland Water Level

In a section of the Lake Cumberland Newsletter on Thursday it mentioned the media stories talking of the possibility of the water level going to 650'.

The false rumors referenced were talking about numerous media stories indicating that the Corps would drop the lake level to 650' immediately. The Corps has no plans to immediately drop the level again.

In a letter sent to municipalities that draw their water from Lake Cumberland it stated:

“Based on conditions at the project, a possibility always exists that we may lower the pool even more. Because of this real possibility, you need to take necessary measures to allow for water intake with the lake at Elevation 650 feet NGVD29. We recommend that these measures be in place no later than 31 December 2007.”

“We are cognizant of the effort that this requires and hope that we will not have to be in a position to lower the pool any further; however, this is a real possibility.”

The Corps only will lower the water level if the initial grouting work does not stop the seepage. The Corps only sent the letter to utilities as a heads up about the possibility.

It appears that in an effort by the Corps to be proactive and prepared for every possibility, some in the media took that cautionary note from the Corps and turned it into an immediate event.

While the future lake level is unknown at this time, it is appropriate to be prepared for as many circumstances as possible.

CONTACT INFO:

If you have any questions, please e-mail them to me at: chris.gilligan@ky.gov.

Past newsletters are available at www.commerce.ky.gov. Click on the “News” icon on the left side of the page to view them.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

http://lakecumberland.com/

Army Corps of Engineers Lake Cumberland/Wolf Creek Dam web page. http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/pao/issues/WOLcommo/

If you want to monitor the level here is the website: http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/hh/resplots/wol_a.html

The Corps’ Manager's office home page:

http://www.orn.usace.army.mil/pao/lakeinfo/WOL.htm

On the Net: Corps Nashville District:

http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/

DEVELOPMENTS

Corps of Engineers Public Meeting Schedule

Kentucky Meeting about Wolf Creek Dam

The Army Corps of Engineers has scheduled a public meeting regarding Lake Cumberland/Wolf Creek Dam for Feb. 22, 2007 at 6:30pm – 8:00pm at the Center for Rural Development. The public and the media are invited.

http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/pao/News_Releases/2007%20News%20Releases/07-09.pdf

NEWS ARTICLES

http://www.wbko.com/news/headlines/5854621.html

Lake Level Not to be Lowered

(Includes video clip of local news story)

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070217/NEWS01/702170418/

Cumberland area seeks help amid dam repairs

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070217/NEWS01/702170422

http://www.wkyt.com/wymtnews/headlines/5904141.html

Lake Won’t Be Lowered For Now

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/16720125.htm

Fears about dam breach draw crowd to meeting

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/NEWS01/70215074/1001/NEWS