LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER BASIN WILL BE STUDIED

(09/03/2003)
State and federal officials will be starting a study of flood control options, safety concerns, wildlife habitat and other issues in the Little Kanawha River basin.

The study is a result of requests by Robert Lowe and the Wirt County Commission. Part of the study will be to examine the aging Wells Lock and Dam near Elizabeth, which officials say is eroding and in need of repairs.

A meeting may be held this month between the state Department of Environmental Protection and the US Army Corps of Engineers to determine the study's scope.

Randy Campbell, with the corps' says the issues vary along the river, and the study will look at a number of projects together to make the most efficient use of funding.