The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) started building a series of dams on the Tennessee River to control floods, provide affordable hydroelectric power. The filling of Kentucky Lake in 1945 provided year-round navigation linking the Tennessee Valley to the inland waterway system. Kentucky Dam was the largest and final dam built on the Tennessee River. The construction began in 1938 and was completed in 1944.
Kentucky Dam can generate a summer net dependable capacity of 184 megawatts of hydroelectric power. According to the TVA website, by using the natural flow of water through blades of a turbine that turns a shaft connected to a generator. These generators produce electricity for local power companies. These companies were made possible by the Electric Cooperative Corporation Act created in 1937. This law allowed states to create not-for-profit consumer owned electric cooperatives and helped supply power to rural Kentucky. If you are reading this magazine, chances are you are a member of one of these co-ops.
Kentucky Dam has many functions. It helps to reduce flooding on six million acres along the lower Mississippi and Ohio river system. This is accomplished by controlling the amount of water released downstream. There is a strict water level schedule that maintains the ability to control the water level below the dam. A minimum level for navigation is maintained as winter pool at 354 feet and a summer pool of 359 feet. Another great service provided by the Kentucky Dam is the lock system.
Along with electrical generation the Kentucky lock system at Kentucky Dam was a major reason for the construction project nearly 79 years ago. President Harry S. Truman in 1945 asked the question what made TVA successful then answered his own question with “It’s common sense hitched up to modern science and good management. And that’s about all there is to it.” This statement has stood the test of time. While the existing Kentucky lock system has served the people well, there is a new project close to completion called the Kentucky Lock Addition Project. This new Lock system will reduce wait times and provide a smoother navigation through the system.
Economic development was another consideration when building the Kentucky Dam and it would come primarily from outdoor recreational opportunities. Kentucky Lake would draw businesses to the area that would provide services to the outdoors men and women. Fishing and boating are the primary activities enjoyed on Kentucky lake. However, there are many other opportunities that were created. Hiking, camping, biking, water skiing along with fishing and hunting would provide people with a sportsman’s paradise. When the Barkley dam was created in the 60’s these outdoor opportunities jumped exponentially with the forming of Land Between the Lakes and 170,000 acres of wilderness to explore. Come check out Kentucky Lake this summer and see what the fuss is about and while you’re there check out the Kentucky Dam Visitors Center to learn more about the history of the dam and the lake. I know you’ll have a blast.
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