This measure, known as the Freedom to Fish Act, enables boating access to river tailwaters to continue for sportsmen and recreational fishermen.
“I am fed up with the Corps’ lack of public consideration in their process to prohibit access to tailwaters near dams on the Cumberland River,” stated Whitfield. “I’m also frustrated that the Corps in numerous meetings at all levels has placated the public rather than attempting to work with us to reach a compromise. This has left me with no other choice than to seek a legislative solution to the Corps’ overreach.”
In December, the Nashville District of the Corps of Engineers re-evaluated its operations for Restricted Areas for Hazardous Waters at dams, which were originally implemented in 1996. Despite the current practice to allow fishing in the tailwaters since 1996, the Corps recently came up with a new interpretation of their regulations and determined that they needed to permanently restrict access to the tailwaters. They announced changes to their Operational Management Plans at Barkley Dam and all other Dams on the Cumberland River and its tributaries.
County Judges from Lyon and Livingston County have voiced their opposition to the plan since it was announced, saying it will dramatically impact the local economy, the Corps has misrepresented some data, and the current regulations are not a safety threat.
Last Thursday, Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee held a press conference at Old Hickory Dam in Nashville to discuss the issue, and vowed to do whatever he can to halt the restrictions.
