I get that Cave Springs Marina was out probably a lot of money because they had to move their marina down the lake. I THINK I understand that LFM would have been out SOME money to adjust to the lake level being dropped but did they have to move the dock elsewhere? Before the repairs, the lake was constantly "up" in the Spring, and "down" in the fall, granted - not to the degree of this one time drop, but still moving regularly.
So, my question would be, have the marinas lost money because of the economy or because of the lake drop due to the construction/repairs?
It would seem to be a double whammy, but when gas hit $4+ per gallon ON LAND and literally millions lose their jobs and homes, and statistically, we have the worst recession since the depression, (and it may not be over), it would seem that the economy was the larger factor, not the lake drop.
Having said that, the marinas need help. The Corp should drop their rent. You want to make good use of the stimulas federal money? - Repair/widen roads and ramps to the docks. Want to create jobs? - Improve the infrastructure around the lake so when the economy returns, it does become a better place to recreate. The Corp could be a great help in those areas.

great response JabezBoy, maybe you should sneak in at the meeting.

In my opinon, from first hand experience as a business owner here, the issue was the perception the media created to make a story and the lack of actual facts to contradict the false reports from the official source and the tourism boards.

In reality, the lake is only 10' lower in elevation +- then it usually is in the winter. The problem is most lake visitors never visit the lake in the winter and have therefore never seen it this low. This all added to the perception Lke Cumberland was "dry". as reported by many media outlets.

The problem could have been averted in the beginning simply with better official reporting of the actual situation, rather than BS hype that we all heard.

This was all before the economy took a turn and before the gas prices went up.

Now you have the problem of people who have visited other areas, due to the false reporting, who may not be back right away simply because they may have found another more convienient spot.

It is a shame. Most of it could have been dealt with up front with the proper information beforehand.

I, in no way, think any particular organization is the culprit here. It is more a combination of everything.

At least now with gas prices a little lower the lake seems to be busier than it has been in a year or two.

I think Marine Assist hit the nail on the head. It is true that the dam was in need of major repair. The present economic situation may be having an effect on the total revenue , however this is the 3 rd year . 3 years ago when they dropped the lake the Corps did NOTHING to put the word out in the form of advertising to inform out of state visitors that the lake still has water.
I feel that that should have been a big part of an advertising program, and paid for by the Corps.
They should have hired advertising specialists to create ads in the positive form to protect the tourism revenues.
A short time after the lake went down, my sister who livs in New Jersey sent me a full page article from the New York Times. The heading of the article was "LAKE CUMBERLAND IS DRY" .
The media is totally responsible for a big part of this mess. Of course, they are a government agency and as we know our government is not big on "exit planning".
I was at AG1 for 14 years and thoroughly enjoyed the dock, the owners , and Ed and Esty after they purchased the facilities from Yvonne. We especially enjoyed our lake family which was broken up with the move.
The general feeling was that we did not trust the Corps. Everytime they spoke with Ed and Esty it was a different story. First they would make promises and break them a short time later. I feel so bad for Ed and Esty. They have been put thru the wringer.
Hopefully now the Corps will greatly reduce the rent or do away with it during this dam construction period. In fact they ought to make it retro-active.
Thats my 2 cents or"3 cents"in this case

What is the #1 purpose of Lake Cumberland? #2? #3?

My guess is Flood Control is #1. (And after Katrina they had to cove their butts or else.) #2 Power maybe?

Wonder how far down recreation/tourism and economics is on the list?

And I thought they did do away with the Marina fees, or lower them early on? Or was that just for the first year?

Well, first shorething, for me, a meeting with federal beauracrats would be the equivalent of someone jabbing a pin in my ear repeatedly. The thought nearly makes me want to lose my lunch.
Second, Marine Assist, I didn't realize the 10' +- on the winter elevation stat. Interesting. We live 4 hours north, but I have had people ask me about the lake being dry. I usually try to make them feel as stupid as possible when i tell them that the lake is 100' deep today and point out that their Indiana lakes are about 20' at best. I'm probably not helping public relations.
I actually like the lake at this level. I think it is more beautiful with the exposed rock walls. As a former houseboat rental user on Dale Hollow, I think the current lake level on Lake Cumberland makes it more attractive to houseboat renters as there are more places exposed with many more somewhat level shorelines to beach the houseboat. (a personal preference thing I realize).
Still, I see the effects of the economy first hand here in the 'cities'. I was able to buy my first boat this year because a man lost his very good factory job of 20 years. I toured one of our reservoirs last night and saw numerous homes vacant on the water (unseen EVER in years past) as more evidence of the number of foreclosures.
Still, Marine Assist is correct. Corp should have done more on the front end. But with dollars flowing out of D.C. like every day is a holiday, and with two KY Congressmen - Sen McConnell and Rep Rogers - in key positions to EASILY help direct some of those dollars, now would seem to be the time to finally do some good.

Or here is a better idea. The ole boy scout motto. BE PREPARED. The lowest recorded level on Lake Cumberland was in 1977 during ANOTHER "repair" period. How about using that big round nugget on top of your head for something other than a hat rack and place your marina accordingly. It has been recorded numerous times over the years; either for repair or serious drought; lake levels BELOW or in the 680's. So common sense would make anyone ask themselves, hmmm what if that were to happen again? What are my contigency plans? Get over yourselves. You have been spoiled over the last couple of years and you got complacent and come to expect the lake to be kept at levels "fit" for your businesses. Suck it up like every other business in the area and quit your crying.

I expect that any business in the area who paid rent to the Corp would not be sucking it up concerning that rent.

I agree with rockinrod seems to me that lees ford is the ONLY spot on the lake with a liquior licence talk about a revenue booster and it sucks that ali 1 had to move but it didn't stop the owners from buying the Navigator building for a repair shop everyone needs to be responsible for their own A$% so like rockin says suck it up and keep moving forward

Interesting posts...so, what happened @ th meeting??? Was anything decided?