According to a new proposal from the Army, the New River is likely to remain open to navigation in the four-mile section where it flows past the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Virginia. This is a huge victory to protect traditional American freedoms from unnecessary restraints in the wake of 9/11.
American Whitewater and our membership wrote dozens of letters, attended meetings, and made phone calls seeking to protect this access.
The Army’s recommendation is consistent with American Whitewater’s comments. The decision balances the security needs of the Army with the citizens desire for access. Though Army officials had previously suggested closing all access, officials have instead decided to only close the river during the highest security level.
THE ROANOKE TIMES reported on November 7th, 2002 that “the recommendation sent to the Corps of Engineers is for unrestricted river access during the lowest two conditions of military security, known as Force Protection Alpha and Bravo. An arsenal spokeswoman said… that the plant is currently at Alpha-plus, but other government installations may be at different levels elsewhere in the nation… If security levels escalated to the third level, Force Protection Charlie, the river would stay open but access would be controlled. People and vessels would have to pass through a checkpoint to make sure they were not carrying any dangerous items such as chemical agents, explosives or firearms. After being checked, they would be allowed unlimited river use… The river would be closed only at Force Protection Delta, the security level at which the military was placed immediately after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.”
Notably, THE ROANOKE TIMES reports that “U.S. Sen. George Allen, R-Va., and Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, wrote Secretary of the Army Thomas White asking that the option of closing the river be taken off the table. Officials in Radford, Pearisburg and at the New River Valley Planning District Commission have all opposed any closing, except in an emergency.”
A notice will be issued soliciting public comments for 30 days, the comments will be analyzed by Army officials for about 30 days, and yet another 30-day comment period will be scheduled. So the plan is unlikely to go into effect for at least 90 days.
When we learn more, AW will share our comments on the new proposal and encourage our members to write.