In a letter Thursday regarding a barge moored in the Tennessee River across from the Tennessee Aquarium and Ross's Landing Park, Senator Bob Corker asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to “keep in mind the significant negative effects that this has on the community when making the decision whether or not to revoke its permit.”
The letter was sent to Lieutenant Colonel James DeLapp, commander of the Nashville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Here is the full text of the letter:
Dear Lieutenant Colonel DeLapp:
It has come to my attention that the permit for a barge moored in the Tennessee River across from the Chattanooga Riverfront is under review for being in non-compliance. While I understand and respect that the Army Corps has a process for reviewing such matters, I want to encourage you to keep in mind the effect that allowing this barge permit to continue could have on the Chattanooga downtown.
Chattanooga has undertaken significant actions in recent years to develop its downtown. These efforts have served to make the Chattanooga Riverfront the jewel in the downtown crown and have helped attract new business and tourists to the area. The beautification of the Riverfront has been integral to this process and it would be disappointing to see the productive activities of hard working Chattanoogans undermined by allowing this partially sunken, dilapidated barge to mar the otherwise picturesque area. It is my sincere hope that you keep in mind the significant negative effects that this has on the community when making the decision whether or not to revoke its permit.
Thank you for your service and I appreciate your attention to this matter. Please keep me informed should any decision be made concerning the future of this permit.
Sincerely,
Bob Corker
United States Senator