Federal offices operating with shutdown; Cordell Hull Lake, Dam operations normal

By Eddie West Staff Writer

The gates to the Cordell Hull Lake Welcome Center/Resource Managers office were open Thursday morning.

Inside the rustic structure, Carthage resident Don Kannapel was on hand at the front desk to greet visitors as usual.  

There were no signs of the “2025 federal government shutdown”.

Responsible managing, operating and maintaining the Cordell Hull Dam/Reservoir as well as the Cumberland and Caney Fork rivers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the county’s largest providers of federal jobs.

While it may go unnoticed by local residents, thousands of tourists visit the dam and lake as well as the county’s two rivers, providing an annual impact in the millions of dollars.

While the peak of this year’s tourism season was weeks ago, many people enjoy fall camping, fishing and other outdoor activities.

The attendant at the Defeated Creek Campground said all 155 campsites were booked for the weekend. 

“We’re number one in Tennessee and  number three in the nation,” the attendant remarked.

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