Today, North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr introduced legislation to stop the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) proposed ban on houseboats, which would affect nearly 400 houseboat owners on Fontana Lake in North Carolina.
 
“The TVA’s proposed ban on houseboats is yet another example of federal government overreach that harms local communities in North Carolina,” said Senator Tillis. “I look forward to working with Senator Burr to support this amendment and find a resolution for houseboat owners on Fontana Lake.”

“TVA’s proposed removal of houseboat owners from their homes would be devastating for many hardworking North Carolina families in Swain and Graham Counties,” said Senator Burr. “This amendment would stop this ill-conceived TVA proposal dead in its tracks and ensure that houseboat owners are able to stay in their homes. I’m urging the Senate to pass my amendment immediately to protect these vulnerable home owners.”
 
The legislation was filed today as an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act of 2016.
 
The text of the amendment is available online here.
 
In August, Senator Burr wrote a letter to the Tennessee Valley Authority urging the agency to reconsider this proposal which would effectively ban houseboats in some parts of Western North Carolina. The full signed letter is available online here.
 

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