2 November 2, 2000

Dear Mr. Strimbeck:

Thank you for sending me a copy of your letter to Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) regarding H.R. 4299. I appreciate your sharing your thoughts with me.

As you know, Congressman Nathan Deal (R-GA) introduced H.R. 4299, the National Recreation Lakes Act, on April 13, 2000. It has been referred to various committees of jurisdiction, but, has not been the subject of hearings as of this date. The legislation would require Federal agencies responsible for managing Federal lake projects to pursue strategies for enhancing recreational experiences of the public at such facilities. While this does not deal specifically with the issue of concern to you, you are correct to note that this does signal recognition of the needs of recreational boaters. As you also indicate, it is unlikely that there will be any Congressional action on this bill before Congress adjourns. Please be assured that I will continue to closely follow this legislation, as well as explore other legislative efforts to address the concerns of recreational boaters.

I have also received a response from the Corps of Engineers (Corps) to the inquiry that I made on your behalf. As you will note, the Corps does not anticipate any change in the operating hours for the upcoming year. Although the response does not cover new ground, I have enclosed a copy of that correspondence for your reference. I intend to continue working with the Corps to address your concerns.

Please continue to keep me informed about your efforts on the issue of extended lock hours. I want to be of all possible service.

ABM:gc
Enclosure

Department of The Army
Pittsburgh District, Corps of Engineers
William S. Moorhead Federal Building
1000 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15222-4186

September 26 2000

Reply to attention of Operations and Readiness Division

Honorable Alan B. Mollohan
House of Representatives
Washington DC 20515

Dear Mr. Mollohan:

I wish to respond to your letter written on behalf of your constituents regarding the operating hours of locks on the upper Monongahela River in West Virginia. The community is seeking longer operating hours, particularly during the boating season, at Hildebrand and Opekiska Locks and Dams.

Although commercial traffic on the upper Monongahela River has decreased significantly in recent years the Corps has maintained its current operating schedule for these locks since the early 1980’s. The Corps budget through FY02 provides sufficient funds to maintain the current operating hours at their current schedule: eight-hour service, seven-days per week. We have no plans to change the hours of operation in the future. However, only after Congress appropriates each year’s future budget, will we know with complete certainty what impacts the budget will have on lock operations. Our goal is to provide safe and well-maintained facilities with high quality services for our customer.

If the Corps of Engineers can provide you with any additional information on the operation of the upper Monongahela River, please contact Robert Bonazza, Project Manager, at 412-395-7263.

Sincerely,

/s/ David R. Ridenour, Colonel
Corps of Engineers, District Engineer