Water is released from the John W. Flannagan dam in Virginia every year around October to create the white water rapids that draw tourist from around the world to Elkhorn City. A letter has been circulated calling for more water to be released from the reservoir to extend the rafting season, but communities down river are also hoping to cash in on the extended release. In an interview with the Floyd County chronicle Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton touted the success of the new Paddlefest event, but mentioned that low water levels made the trip difficult. He hopes that the excess water will cut down travel time. While the proposal has a great deal of support, it takes an act of congress to change the amount of water that is released from the dam.