The Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors, the managing authority of TVA Reservoirs, including Union County ’s Lake Nottely , held their quarterly meeting at Young Harris College . The June meeting’s agenda invited citizens to express their concerns in a listening session.

Janice Boland, President of the Lake Nottely Improvement Association, spoke on behalf of the membership of the organization. She welcomed the nine-member board, including Blairsville resident, Tom Gilliland, and expressed appreciation for the TVA’s support.

The TVA’s Reservoir Operations Study, supported and encouraged by LNIA, resulted in Lake Nottely ’s winter drawdown adjustment, which has brought the water level higher in the summer months. “ Lake Nottely is a vital part of Union County ’s economy and tourism is a major part of that. Summers that we have low lake levels has adversely affected our county” Boland told the board. “Additionally, fluctuation in lake levels severely damages the lake shorelines and wreaks havoc with docks and boats.”

The board expressed their appreciation and adjourned to their regular meeting after hearing Boland and ten other community spokespersons.

At LNIA’s May Public Education Meeting, TVA River Forecast Center Manager, Susan Jacks, shared information about lake levels. Jim Wentworth, US Forestry Service, reported on planned development of Davenport Mountain with added insight on the salmonella problem in wild birds in the area. Kevin Dyer, DNR , spoke on boating laws, BUI laws, and recent happenings on and around the lake.

Boland’s successor, 2009-2011 President, Sue Boris, is pleased to report that LNIA has received a TVA Corporate Contribution Grant that will be used to support activities that enhance and improve the quality of life for the people of the Tennessee Valley . LNIA will use the funds to continue their lake, roadside, and lakeshore clean-ups and educational meetings.