CELINA, Tenn. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Nashville District is seeking public feedback related to a private concessionaire’s request to lease and develop the Plankyard day use, access boat launch and primitive camping area near Byrdstown, Tennessee on Dale Hollow Lake.
The request from Sunset Marina and Resort proposes an expansion of their existing marina facilities to encompass Plankyard and surrounding area to meet public demand for additional moorage. The proposed project would expand the current lease area to include an additional 135 acres (55 acres of land and 80 acres of water), add approximately 100 new boat slips, widen an existing access road to service the new leased area, improve the existing parking area to accommodate 16 boat trailer spaces and 59 parking spaces, replace the existing restroom area, install a new pavilion, pave and widen the entrance road, install water breaks, construct a fishing pier, construct a walking trail, construct approximately 10 rental cabins, and install a water line adjacent to the entrance road.
The proposed expansion and construction would change Plankyard Recreation Area from a Corps of Engineers managed area to a long-term lease to Sunset Marina and Resort. These changes would impact primitive camping in this area and would allow the marina to potential charge a launch fee. The attached Figures 1 and 2 present the proposed project location and concept plan.
“Dale Hollow Lake staff wanted to make sure that comments in regard to this proposal and the leasing of Plankyard Recreation Area on Dale Hollow Lake can be expressed during this comment period”, states Resource Manager Crystal Tingle. “Comments should be sent in by no later than May 10th.”
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and applicable implementing regulations, USACE must evaluate the potential impacts of a proposed Sunset Marina and Resort expansion project to include assuming operations and maintenance of Plankyard Recreation Area from the Corps of Engineers, Pickett County, Dale Hollow Dam and Lake Project, Tennessee. NEPA review is being conducted under Operation and Maintenance authority for Dale Hollow Lake.
The Dale Hollow Lake Project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 for flood control, and the River and Harbors Act of 1946 for hydropower. Additional operating purposes include recreation, fish and wildlife, water quality, and water supply.
In accordance with NEPA, USACE will evaluate potential impacts of the proposed action. Project alternatives being considered include (1) approve the proposed development plan for construction of the proposed project, (2) approve the proposed development plan for construction with special conditions to minimize potential impacts, and (3) disapprove the proposed plan, which is considered the no action alternative. NEPA review will also include the proposed reclassification of the Dale Hollow Lake Master Plan. The current Master Plan classifies the project area as “Multiple Resource-Wildlife Management” outside Plankyard Recreation Area and “High Density Recreation” within Plankyard Recreation Area. Because of the proposed use of this site as a marina with associated facilities, a Master Plan supplement would be required to classify the entire area proposed for use as a “High Density Recreation” area.
This news release also serves to initiate the public involvement requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Section 106, implemented by regulations 36 CFR Part 800, which requires USACE to consider the effects of its undertakings on historic properties. Cultural resource investigations are planned, and the results will be coordinated with the Tennessee State Historic Preservation Officer, Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, and other Consulting Parties as necessary.
Members of the public and partnership agency personnel are invited to share their comments concerning environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic issues regarding the expansion and construction of Sunset Marina and Resort. Comments, request for information, or questions concerning the proposed action should be submitted no later than May 10, 2024. Please email comments to david.a.adams@usace.army.mil. Written comments should be mailed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, ATTN: CELRN-PMP (David Adams), 110 9th Avenue South, Room A-405, Nashville, Tennessee 37203-3817.
Public participation in this scoping and NEPA effort is greatly appreciated.
The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at www.lrn.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps.
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