The Southern Highland Reader

SYLVA-Cullowhee’s Mark Singleton, Director of the national organization American Whitewater, has an op-ed in today’s Asheville Citizen-Times concerning the Dillsboro Dam controversy.

American Whitewater, founded in 1954, holds as its mission “to conserve and restore America’s whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.”

Here’s an excerpt from today’s column:

Many questions remain about the viability of Jackson County’s decision. First, Duke Energy has federal pre-emption that supersedes the county’s powers. Second, it is unclear if the county can take the dam itself, or merely the land. Third, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has required that the dam be removed and this decision may be binding on whoever owns the dam. Finally, what motive does the county have to spend taxpayer dollars to condemn property that it will get at no cost under the approved Settlement Agreement? These are just a few of the remaining questions, which will almost certainly be decided in court at additional taxpayer expense.

Tags: american whitewater, Asheville Citizen Times, Cullowhee, duke energy, federal energy regulatory commission, Jackson County, Opinion

Related posts:

1. Cullowhee-based American Whitewater receives Conservation Alliance grant
2. U.S. Court of Appeals says Dillsboro Dam can go
3. Duke seeks to thwart Dillsboro Dam condemnation
4. Federal agency denies county appeal, says Dillsboro Dam removal can go forward
5. Jackson Co. vs. Duke Energy over Dillsboro Dam

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.