NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - An attorney for Gaylord Entertainment Company argued in federal court the Army Corps of Engineers was negligent in its response to massive flooding in 2010 along the Cumberland River.
Gaylord sued the agency over $250 million in damage to its hotel and convention center and the Grand Ole Opry. Attorney Robert Patterson argued in court Wednesday that agency officials failed to lower the water level behind the Old Hickory Dam and then after more than 13 inches of rain fell over two days, they released water from the dam that caused flooding on their property.
Department of Justice attorneys asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuits filed by Gaylord and other businesses because they argued that federal law prevents the government from being held liable for damage caused by flooding.
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