Congressman Mike Rogers sent a letter this week to Kimberly D. Bose, the Secretary of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), asking she reconsider FERC’s decision that rejected a proposal to extend Lake Martin’s pool elevation during the summer and fall and raise it during the winter.

The letter states, “I am writing to request that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission reconsider its initial decision to reject Alabama Power Company’s proposal to increase and improve recreational opportunities at Lake Martin by raising the pool elevation three feet in the winter and extending the summer pool elevation into the fall when water is available.

“These changes were requested by property and business owners around Lake Martin, and they were studied thoroughly during Alabama Power’s relicensing process. With over 75 percent of Lake Martin and 677 miles of its shoreline in my district, I am fully aware of Lake Martin’s importance to the east central part of Alabama. The proposals included in Alabama Power’s application will have a dramatic economic effect on this region of the state and they will increase recreational opportunities and enjoyment on and around Lake Martin, without compromising flood control responsibilities downstream.” 

Rogers reiterated today the lake’s vital economic development role in the region. “Lake Martin drives the local economy in Tallapoosa County and the region and it only makes sense to extend its recreational use. This is another example of Federal regulators standing in the way of local economic progress. I hope FERC will immediately reconsider the proposal,” Rogers said. 

Rogers serves as Chairman of the Strategic Forces subcommittee on the Armed Services Committee and is a senior member of the Homeland Security and Agriculture committees. 

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