Governor Bob McDonnell Weighs In On Gangplank Pointe...

Post date: Sep 23, 2011 3:47:02 PM

As Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I write in support ofthe Smith Mountain Lake Association and Appalachian Electric Power's separate requests for a rehearing in the matter of the Smith Mountain Lake Project Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) (P-2210-090). I ask that their request for a rehearing be granted and that the Commission reverse its holding that property owners along the lake bring their existing docks into conformity with the SMP, based on the impact of such compliance to landowners, local revenue, and Virginia tourism.

... Moreover, the Commission's determination that repair of just greater than 50 percent of a dock structure somehow triggers immediate conformity with the SMP is, at best, arbitrary.

... Finally, I am dismayed that in support of its position, the Commission cites its duty to preserve the "scenic, recreational, cultural, and environmental resources" of the lake. Dock structures do not detract from any of those resources and, in fact, contribute greatly to the scenic, recreational, and cultural aspects of the lake region enjoyed by generations of Virginians for nearly 50 years. Dock structures also contribute to the fishery's habitat and environment.