GRAY, Tenn. – The Tennessee Valley Authority has submitted a permit application to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for boat ramp extension projects and a new swim beach recreational area at Boone Reservoir. TDEC announced today a public comment period for members of the public to comment on TVA’s request. This comment period will be open through July 6.

Boone Reservoir remains at a lower level to ensure public safety while TVA investigates the cause of seepage and erosion issues at the Boone Dam earthen embankment. TVA and industry experts are working to determine a permanent fix for the problem.

The boat ramp extension projects are located at Devault Bridge, Pickens Bridge and TVA-owned property near Boone Dam known as Tract 22R. These additional ramps will improve lake access for boaters while the reservoir is at lower water levels. The 22R project also includes plans for a new swim beach recreational area.

If the permits are approved, TVA will work with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin construction on all three projects by the end of July. The boat ramp extensions are expected to be completed this summer while the swim beach improvements may take longer.

Since October 2014, TVA has investigated seepage and erosion issues at Boone Dam. To help ensure the safety of downstream residents, TVA continues to hold the reservoir about 10 feet below normal winter pool levels. TVA is working with the community to implement several actions to help mitigate impacts on affected upstream marinas, property owners and local economies.

For updates on work at Boone Dam, ramp access locations and other information, please visit www.tva.com/boonedrawdown/.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power distributors serving 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.