Washington, DC – Congressman Bob Goodlatte today announced that the House of Representatives approved $251,000 to complete a Section 216 study of the Gathright Dam, which is located in Alleghany County.  The funding was included in the FY 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report.

The purpose of the Section 216 study is to determine if modifying the water flow from the Gathright Dam would improve and restore environmental resources downstream along the Jackson and James Rivers without adversely affecting the approved functions, including recreation, flood control and water quality of the Gathright Dam and Lake Moomaw.

The Section 216 study is supported by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, local governments and the Norfolk District Army Corps of Engineers.  Without the Section 216 study, the Army Corps of Engineers cannot modify the water flow from the Gathright Dam and DEQ will be forced to impose nutrient limits that are unachievable or are prohibitively expensive.

“I am pleased that this important federal funding was included in the Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report,” said Congressman Goodlatte.  “Completion of the Section 216 study of the Gathright Dam is critical to ensure environmental improvements in the Jackson River and the entire James River Basin.”

Goodlatte continued, “The timing of the water flow from the Gathright Dam has been a serious concern for communities and businesses downstream for many years and this study is necessary to address those concerns.”

The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Conference Report, which Congressman Goodlatte voted against due to the $33.5 billion overall increase in spending between this bill and the stimulus, will be referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.  Upon Senate passage it will be sent to President Obama to be signed into law.