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.
Opinion
Let’s keep the dam, but remove the sediment from the river
- Opinion
-
-
Walk Smart
Many local residents will be visiting Ocean City this summer, so it is worth noting that the resort has launched a campaign that it hopes will keep pedestrians out of harm’s way.
-
Trailer case bound to increase scrutiny on town of Piedmont
This letter is in response to the recent story concerning the guilty plea entered in federal court by Piedmont’s town foreman (“Piedmont town foreman Shingler enters guilty plea,” May 21 Times-News, Page 1A).
-
Fixing community’s problems starts with your young people
I am writing this letter to the editor because I think our community really needs to work on plenty of issues. Some of them are:
-
High priority
Maryland school officials on Tuesday put an exclamation point on the need to take student-athlete concussions more seriously.
-
Why are there no answers to these questions?
We currently have the most corrupt administration in the history of the country. Every day more and more lies come from the Obama administration.
-
Roaming dogs prove menace to some residents of LaVale
I am writing to inform your readers and the animal control staff of Allegany about a problem that is dragging on and unresolved, yet.
-
These types should look to the Boy Scouts for an example
Consider these headlines:
NRA will “Never Surrender.”
The Tea Party will “Never Surrender.”
The No Tax Group will “Never surrender.”
Neocons will “Never Surrender.”
Far Left Liberals will “Never Surrender.” -
Housing project will have bad effect on property in this area
I am writing to you to voice my opposition to a low income housing project that has been proposed for construction on a tract of land on Pine Swamp Road in Mineral County, W.Va. I am a registered voter and resident of Mineral County and live in the New Creek/Pine Swamp area.
-
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!
-
What are chances this much money will be spent on road?
I was intrigued by cost data summarized in reporter Kathy Mellott’s recent article, “Completing southern link of U.S. Route 219 said to be best use of highway funds,” which appeared in the Cumberland Times-News on Tuesday May 14 (Page 1A).
- More Opinion Headlines
-
