GAINESVILLE, GA — Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) visited the Chatuge Dam with Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Towns County EMA Director Marty Roberts, and members of Rep. Chuck Edwards’ (NC-11) staff to meet with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) officials and discuss the TVA’s proposed plans to address spillway safety concerns.
A recent TVA study identified a key vulnerability in the spillway of Chatuge Dam. While the conditions of the current spillway are not an emergency, the TVA is aiming to improve the safety of the spillway to reduce the risk of the dam’s long-term operations. The TVA study has judged the spillway at Chatuge Dam exhibits some of the vulnerabilities that led to the damage and failure of the Oroville Dam spillway in California. To address the issue, the agency announced four potential alternatives for a long-term solution.
“My top priority is reaching a sensible approach to a long-term solution that benefits both the structural integrity of Chatuge Dam and the well-being of local communities,” said Clyde. “Residents, local officials, and small business owners throughout Towns County have shared serious concerns about the potential disastrous economic consequences of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s current proposals for dam modification. Given Chatuge Lake attracts incredible tourism and seasonal activity, potential drawdown plans present tremendous challenges to the economic lifeblood of Towns County. My office and I remain highly engaged in this matter, and I look forward to working with local officials, stakeholders, and the TVA to reach the best solution that effectively balances the safety of spillway operations and the continued economic prosperity of our North Georgia community.”
“Last week, Towns County officials visited with Congressman Andrew Clyde at Chatuge Dam to discuss TVA’s proposals for dam modification. I am extremely grateful for Congressman Clyde’s response to the concerns of Towns County constituents — the potential impact of a long-term drawdown of Chatuge Lake would be disastrous to the livelihood of our community,” said Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw.
“I would like to thank everyone in the County for their support. I highly encourage residents to provide input during TVA’s public commenting period. TVA will be hosting a series of public meetings and accepting public comments starting April 22 through May 28,” Bradshaw added.
Public Meetings:
May 6th | 5:30 - 6:30 PM: Virtual public meeting
May 8th | 5:30 - 7:30 PM: Hayesville, NC at the Community Services Building on Riverside Circle
May 13th | 5:00 - 7:00 PM: Young Harris, GA at the Towns County Recreation Center
May 15th | 5:30 - 6:30 PM: Virtual public meeting
Additional information on the Tennessee Valley Authority receiving public input on Chatuge Dam safety modifications can be found HERE.
Details on the TVA’s notice of intent, including proposed plans, is available in the Federal Register HERE.
Rep. Clyde Observes Chatuge Dam Spillway
Chatuge Dam Spillway
Rep. Clyde Reviews TVA’s Proposals for Dam Modification
