WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell today announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to his request to study expanding the whitewater rafting season at the Breaks Interstate Park.
Sen. McConnell contacted Assistant Secretary of the Army R.D. James in support of the study, in an effort to increase recreational whitewater rafting opportunities and boost tourism in Eastern Kentucky.
“I have heard from my constituents about the ‘world-class water rapids’ of the Russell Fork River, which draws rafters and kayakers from all over the world who are drawn to the rapids and to the surrounding beauty of Central Appalachia,” McConnell said. “By expanding the rafting season with additional weekends, we can provide more opportunities for world-class whitewater rafting in Pike County to increase tourism and expand economic opportunities for Eastern Kentucky.”
Water releases scheduled each fall from John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir help create ideal water conditions for rafters and kayakers who travel from around the world to tackle the rapids of the Russell Fork River. The Army Corps, however, limits these water releases to only four weekends in October.
The study will analyze the impact of adding releases and expanding the whitewater rafting season in Eastern Kentucky.
Senator McConnell was informed that a positive decision could double the whitewater rafting season at the park, enhancing tourism opportunities and benefiting the Pike County economy.
“After working for two decades to shape the common-sense idea, we are advancing the study of enhanced recreational releases of water from John Flannagan Reservoir to the Pound and Russell Fork Rivers,” said Jason Foley, Founder & CEO of Kentucky Whitewater Raft Kayak Rescue. “I am excited about the potential economic impact for East Kentucky and Southwest Virginia. In my work on this issue, no one deserves more thanks than Sen. Mitch McConnell. Sen. McConnell and his staff, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have helped pave the way for the advancement of this important issue to enhance the region’s economy through recreation and tourism. While this is but one piece of our great Appalachian future, it has been a sincere privilege to help lead this process, and I look forward to an even greater future for all of Appalachia.”
