Members of the Monacan Indian Nation and their supporters appeared before the James River Water Authority on Tuesday (Aug 13) to protest a planned water pumping station atop what they believe to be the site of the historic settlement of Rassawek.
Many of the speakers made it clear they are ready to go to court if the authority refuses to move the project.
“It is clear that you will attempt to pit the taxpayers of your county against the interests of those who believe that Rassawek is too important to destroy,” said Marion Werkheiser of Cultural Heritage Partners, a law firm working with Monacan tribal leaders.
The James River Water Project (JRWP) is a multimillion-dollar joint venture between Louisa and Fluvanna counties to provide water to Zion Crossroads and other parts of Louisa County. A pumping station at Point of Fork, at the confluence of the James and Rivanna rivers near Columbia, will eventually draw over 6 million gallons of water per day to a new treatment plant near Ferncliff.
Read the entire article at Fluvanna Review.