save the river (1)
TRANSCRIPT
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
Who Goes Rafting?
People of all ages (12 and up)
People from very different back grounds
People from all over the world, I have taken people who have traveled from: India, the UK, Canada and many other nations that the focus of their trip was to go rafting
And every kind of group or club that you could think of have enjoyed and benifited from the ocoee river
What are the benefits?
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