Head of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Division Visits Local Officials at Green River

Local, State, and Federal Officials Meet At Lock and Dam No. 5

(L) Economic Development Director for Congressman Brett Guthrie's office Kylie Foushee speaks to (L-R) Kevin Shaw, General Manager for Edmonson Water District, Assistant Secretary Michael L. Conner, Head of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Division, and David Phemister, State Director of the Nature Conservancy at Lock and Dam No. 5.

Darren Doyle, story: photo courtesy of U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie's Office:
On January 30th, U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie questioned Assistant Secretary Michael L. Connor, the head of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Division about the dam removal process in Edmonson County. During Guthrie's questioning, he invited AS Secretary Connor to visit Edmonson County and the Green River to take a look at the current situation.

On April 30th AS Connor took Guthrie up on his offer and visited Lock & Dam 5 alongside the Commander of the Louisville Army Corps of Engineers, Congressman Guthrie’s staff, as well as local and state officials.

According to Guthrie's office, the Assistant Secretary acknowledged the importance of prioritizing the project during the meeting.  

Rep. Guthrie said he was pleased that AS Connor recently visited to see the current situation at Lock and Dam No. 5.

"It is crucial that he sees firsthand the impact dam removal has had on water levels on the Green River and the unintended consequences that have resulted from the dam removal," Guthrie said in a statement submitted to the Edmonson Voice. "Following his visit, I am pleased to hear this project has become a central priority for the Army Corps,  and they will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to address low water levels and the lack of reliable water supply these low water levels can cause. I will continue to work with Assistant Secretary Connor to continue finding long and short-term solutions to the water intake issue in Edmonson County,” said Congressman Guthrie.

Also in attendance was State Representative Michael Meredith, Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, David Phemister, State Director of the Nature Conservancy and Lee Andrews, Field Office Supervisor for KY Fish & Wildlife.