TRVA
on an annual basis presents information to, and when necessary, presence
testimony to the House and Senate Appropriations
Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Member of
Congress, in support of appropriations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
budget request, and other testimony on behalf of programs and projects vital to the
economy of the Tennessee Valley region.
TRVA
presented information to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, and Members of Congress
outlining funding needs through the USACOE for O & M and Capital outlay
projects in March 2007.
TRVA
has been the leader in support of a new lock at Chickamauga Dam on the upper Tennessee
River. A new lock is necessary to replace an aging, structurally deteriorating,
single-barge lock. Closure of
this lock would shut down 381 miles of navigable waterway on the upper Tennessee River
just above Chattanooga, Tennessee. A loss of this lock would result in the closure
of numerous industries and the loss of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars to the
region's economy. Construction on a new lock is now ongoing but is
dependent on the timely and sufficient funding from Congress thru the USACOE.
TRVA
has been a leader in the support of a new additional lock at Kentucky Dam, which is
located on the Tennessee River near its junction with the Ohio River. This new lock
addition is necessary to relieve extensive delay times caused by tremendous traffic
through the current lock. Construction on a new lock is now on going but is
dependent on the timely and sufficient funding from Congress thru the USACOE.
TRVA
was the lead organization in working with TVA to improve a hazardous underway ledge in a
sharp bend in the Tennessee River below Pickwick Lock and Dam.
TRVA
works with the U.S. Coast Guard and presents comments and information relative to new
bridge construction (both highway and rail) to assure adequate vertical and horizontal
clearances for safe navigation.
TRVA
works with state and local industrial development groups to enhance industrial growth,
both new industry and existing business and industry.
TRVA
publishes on a bi-annual basis a directory of terminals on the Tennessee and Cumberland
Rivers. Included in the directory is a large, full-color map of the Tennessee and
Cumberland Rivers and location of various river terminals. This directory is free
for the asking by contacting TRVA.
TRVA,
working with the National Geographic Society and state Geographic Alliances, sponsors "Day
on the River" for geography teachers to acquaint them with the importance of our
Nation's river system and to show methods for teaching about the river to their
students. This project is a part of teachers continuing education and credit is
given for participation.
TRVA
conducts an annual river trip of the Tennessee River for staff of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, TVA, U.S. Coast Guard and area residents to view and discuss the river system,
its operation and maintenance, and view business/industry located along the river's banks,
as well as recreational facilities.
TRVA
works with state and local economic development groups to cooperate and assist in
improving the economic opportunities throughout the Tennessee Valley region.
TRVA
works in partnership with TVA's Rural Studies Program at the University of Kentucky to
improve economic growth opportunities for rural areas within the Valley.
TRVA
provides workshops, seminars and conducts surveys to provide information necessary for job
creation, job training, economic growth and determine solutions to critical issues
affecting the region.
TRVA
publishes a bi-monthly newsletter and other brochures and materials to keep its members
and others apprised of issues, projects and legislation affecting the region.
TRVA
holds quarterly meetings of its Board of Directors and an annual membership meeting each
year in various location throughout the Tennessee Valley.
TRVA,
on an annual basis, presents to the Corps, TVA and Coast Guard a strategic plan of capital
outlay projects, suggested navigation aids and improvements and a list of priorities for
improving the river system. This report is issued in March/April of each year with
federal agency response presented at the annual navigation meeting in October/November of
each year.
TRVA
works in conjunction with other associations on issues of mutual interest.
