By HAYLEY HARMON
6 News Reporter
LaFOLLETTE (WATE) - A proposed marina on Norris Lake in Campbell County may soon get the go-ahead from the Tennessee Valley Authority, but not without plenty of opposition.
Some of the opposition is coming from the operators of a Bible camp, which would share the cove with the marina.
"The marina will be all down this bank that we're looking at here in front of us," said Galilee Bible Camp Executive Director Bill Bennett as he pointed out the location.
The process to get a permit from TVA to build the Pointe Marina began nearly five years ago. Operators of the camp have been fighting the marina since then.
"Six other marinas within five miles, why do we need another 500 boats?" Bennett asked. "We jetski in this cove. If the marina comes in, that won't happen."
The camp serves nearly 1000 kids every summer. The director is concerned about the dangers more boaters would bring to the waters the campers use.
"Boat traffic coming in and out of the marina is still going to be affecting us," he said. "Our kids in canoes will have to navigate among the boats."
"We feel it would be detrimental to the safely and atmosphere of the camp," Bennett said.
TVA received nearly 70 comments from locals during research of the project, with many commenters opposing it. Some, though, argued the marina would be good for the economy.
The contractors proposing the marina agree, saying in a statement, "Any new business that will provide new jobs as well as new economic growth would have a positive impact in Campbell County."
Bennett says he understands to some extent.
"Do we need new business in Campbell County? Absolutely. Do we need more jobs? Absolutely," he said. "Is this the answer? I don't think so."
If the TVA grants the permit, Bennett says he's not sure what is next for the camp.
"I'm not sure what we'll do. Will the camp continue to exist? I hope it will," he said. "I pray it will."
Bank erosion in the cove from increased boaters also worries opponents, but the contractors say the cove will become a no wake zone, which will "virtually eliminate shoreline erosion."
Bennett says he is not giving up. A rally for concerned citizens will be held next week.
"The more people that come, maybe then we can get a hearing," Bennett said.
Rally is set for next Wednesday at noon at the Galilee Bible Camp, 586 Camp Galilee Road, LaFollette.
TVA says the environmental assessment report is completed. Once the new marina developers purchase the land, they will be granted a permit to build.
Drawing of proposed Pointe Marina (source: TVA)
