Save the Ocoee RiverBRAD BAKER

What is going on

The Ocoee River America’s white water rafting destination is at risk of being shut down by the TVA over what equates to about $1.8 million/annually

TVA wants a $9million upfront payment (which after interest, loans cost, and closing cost would end up being about $11m) and the rafting outfitters would bear the brunt of this

If TVA does not get the money then as of march 2019 the ocoee river will cease to run

Where is the Ocoee?

The Ocoee river is located in Copperhill TN on the border of N. GA and North Carolina

The river is part of the Cherokee National Forest

Its proximity to major cities makes it the most popular place to raft in the country

Why the Ocoee Matters to you

In the year 2013 the Ocoee was responsible for generating $43m dollars in a 60 mile radius

If it is shut down it is estimated that approximately 622 full time jobs would be lost

In 1996 it was the site for the Olympic kayaking compaction

Since 1980 it has brought over 10 million people into the area

Why the Ocoee “Matters” to TVA

The Ocoee is responsible for an underwhelming 1/50th of 1% of TVA’s total generation in the region

Which they claim totals up to $1.8m per year

The picture is of the number 2 powerhouse

What is Being Done

Currently the Tennessee General Assembly has drafted a resolution in support of the river remaining open

But Even with the Assembly’s support TVA is still standing firm on their ridicules claim

What would be left if TVA wins

What we Gain by Keeping the Ocoee running

And much more

Why I chose this topic

I grew up in north Georgia a few miles From the ocoee

Since I have been old enough my family has taken at least one rafting trip a year

My father co-sponsored the resolution back in 1980 that opened the river to the public for rafting

And finally for the past four years I have been guiding up on the Ocoee river

sources

TVA.Gov

Savetheocooe.org

Personal knolwage