It is much more than backwater
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Bridging the Divide
Chuck Bradley
The lakes; including Lay Lake, Lake Martin, Lake Mitchell, and Lake Jordan; are crucial to Coosa County, serving as major recreational resources, supporting local economies and providing vital water management benefits.
These lakes are key to the county’s economy, attracting tourism and supporting industries like fishing and boating.
The lakes offer numerous opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities, attracting visitors from every walk of life and boosting the local tourism industry. The lakes contribute to the local economy through increased property values, expenditures by recreational visitors and hydropower generation.
The lakes also play a vital role in managing the Coosa County River’s water flow, with Alabama Power managing lake levels for flood control, navigation and wildlife protection.
The dams that create the lakes also generate hydroelectric power, contributing to the state’s renewable energy needs.
Hydroelectric power plants in Coosa County do contribute to the county’s revenue. The Coosa River Hydroelectric Project, which includes the Mitchell Dam Project and Jordan Dam Project, is located in multiple counties, including Coosa.
Alabama Power, the primary operator of these facilities, generates revenue through the sale of electricity, which benefits the county through various mechanisms like property taxes and economic activity.
The revenue generated by these plants contributes to the county’s economy in several ways:
- The power plants and the associated dams, like Lay Dam and Mitchell Dam, are valued as property and contribute to Coosa County’s property tax base.
- The construction and operation of the plants create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the area.
- The lakes created by the dams, like Lake Mitchell and Lake Jordan, attract tourists and provide recreational opportunities, further boosting the county’s economy.
- Alabama’s lakes have a significant economic impact, primarily through tourism and recreation, including hunting and fishing. These activities generate billions of dollars annually and support numerous jobs, particularly in rural areas. For instance, the hunting and fishing industry alone contributes $1.7 billion to the Black Belt region’s economy.
It is clear that lake life plays a vital role in driving the county’s economy, and our lakes are integral to the local culture, with many residents and seasonal visitors enjoying lake life and taking part in recreational activities.
Please send your questions or comments to bradleychuck92@gmail.com.