There is much can be said in defense of removing the Potomac River dam between Cumberland and Ridgeley and also much to be said in defense of keeping the dam in place.
Removing the dam will open the river to its natural state allow fish migration, and unrestricted use of the river by canoeists passing through the city, leaving it in place would allow the area above the dam to return to its historical use as a boating Mecca.
History tells us that for several decades at the turn of the 20th Century, the placid water provided by the dam was used for boating and other aquatic recreational purposes, and enjoyed by all residents of the Cumberland area.
The pollution of the Potomac River in the first half of the 20th century ended the recreational use of its waters.
Now that the waters of the Potomac River are returning to a quality waterway, it makes no sense to remove the potential of returning these waters to their former recreational use by removing the dam. The real question is what is best for the community?
The most offensive part of the dam removal effort is the fact that downstate, outside influences with an agenda, and pockets full of money come to our area and convince local officials that they know what is best for us.
They then make the changes they promote, and go back home and leave us to deal with the results.
A dam has existed here for 170 years and the only problem it has brought to us is the sediment above the dam that should be removed.
The sediment needs removed whether or not the dam is removed but it seems money will only be available if we agree to the dam removal.
The city of Cumberland and its goal of improving tourism could only benefit from returning the historical use of these waters as a boating Mecca to be enjoyed by area residents and tourists alike.
Following is a quote from an article in a boating periodical from 1909 referring to the city of Cumberland:
“The motorboat owners of this city are planning a series of aquatic contests for July 4th. The program will include a motorboat race, a motorboat parade, an 80 foot high dive from a platform on the Blue Bridge, and a band concert and fireworks in the evening.”
Once the dam is removed such activities as this could no longer occur as all we will be left with is a foot or two of useless water flowing through the city and the return the natural ford between Cumberland and Ridgeley that existed before the first dam was built in the 1840s.
The city should take a hard look at what may be lost if the dam is removed.
Gary Clites
Carpendale, W.Va.
Letters
Let’s keep the dam, but remove the sediment from the river
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Why have the media been silent all this time?
When I read the Cumberland Times-News Editorial this morning, Friday, May 17, entitled, “Outrageous,” I laughed like a kid at a birthday party!
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What are chances this much money will be spent on road?
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School board should be doing better job with less money
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Were they really good old days? You decide
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Wearing the poppy tells others people that you remember
On May 25, members of Farrady Unit 24 American Legion Auxiliary, Frostburg, will once again ask the citizens of the community to remember the sacrifices our veterans have made.
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Donating your old bike will help someone who really needs it
Once again Bikes for the World is collecting used bicycles at Canal Place, May 25 from 10 a.m. to noon,
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Hosting Fresh Air Children can be a memorable experience
I got a phone call, and a little voice said, “Hi Miss Linda, I’m calling to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.”
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Stop buying licenses; let them find the money somewhere else
A few months ago, I received two cards from the National Rifle Association. These were dealing with a legislative alert.
They asked that I should contact Sen. George Edwards and Delegate Kevin Kelly concerning the anti-gun legislation. -
Strength of gun laws is not reflected in grisly statistics
According to the FBI’s uniform crime reports, California had the highest number of gun murders in 2011 with 1,220, which makes up 68 percent of all murders in the state that year and equates to 3.25 murders per 100,000 people.
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‘Forgotten warrior’ not forgotten
The Korean War is often called “The Forgotten War.” My generation remembers the Battle for LZ X-Ray at Ia Drang, The Tet Offensive, and Khe Sahn of the Vietnam War.
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Why have the media been silent all this time?
