Harold's final version of his letter to Senator Byrd. Harold also is sending cc's to our other members of congress from West Virginia.

EDITORIAL COMMENT BY GRINCH (Strimbeck)! As Brooks Javins has pointed out, the rule of thumb (and I've heard this before) is that a member of congress treats actual "writ by hand" (or typed) genuine (not form) letters (snail-mailed, ie, US Postal Service, or, faxed) as one such letter representing 10,000 citizens!! WE NEED MORE LETTERS LIKE HAROLD'S! I've included addresses for our West Virginia congressional delegation at end of Harold's letter! E-mailed letters appear to be less effective in reaching members of congress.

HAROLD E. MARTIN
5038 Earl L. Core Road
Morgantown, WV 26508

June 27, 2000

Senator Robert C. Byrd
311 Senate Hart Office Building
Washington DC 20510

Dear Senator Byrd,

Having attended the Upper Monongahela Committee for Better Boating meeting on June 6, 2000, here are a few key points to ponder:

First: I do support the UPPER MONONGAHELA RIVER COMMITTEE FOR BETTER BOATING in their quest for congressional legislation that would place recreational boating and river community development on a par with existing laws. These laws require that the US Army Corps of Engineers base the operations of locks and dams on considerations of flood control, maintenance of river flows, and facilitation of river commerce.

Secondly: It would be the benefit of all boaters concerned if the Hildebrand and Opekiska locking areas would be open during the period of 1 March through 31 October boating season 24 hours a day. If this is not possible; then at least shifts from 8 a.m. through12 p.m. midnight.

Thirdly: The Morgantown and Point Marion, PA. Locks must be open all day throughout the year.

Fourth : Having been a lifelong resident of West Virginia and utilizing the Monongahela River for pleasure boating and fishing, I feel compelled to join in the Charge of "Upper Monongahela Committee for Better Boating".

As a final note, it is my understanding that the West Virginia Office of Tourism just recently stated that tourism is the third largest area of income to the state. It would just seem to make sense to me that this office could perhaps team up with West Virginia University and their plans to develop the waterfront area of Morgantown to make this happen. Also, more recently with the opening of the "Caperton Rails to Trails" their best interest is at heart in this development. As you are surely aware that the trails mostly follow the scenic Monongahela River. Myself, as well as many others will be happy to see this very important issue resolved in the best interest of pleasure, and fishing boaters, and commercial trade.

Sincerely,

Harold E. Martin