Charlotte Observer
charlotteobserver.com
April 14, 2009
NC Senate panel wants body to hold Yadkin dams
The Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C. North Carolina and Alcoa Inc. are promising a long fight over control of nearly 40 miles of the Yadkin River where the largest U.S. aluminum producer has operated four electricity-generating dams for more than half a century.
A state Senate Coalition on Tuesday has approved a plan that creates a holding entity to manage the dams and the water flow through them if North Carolina can wrest control from Alcoa.
Alcoa generates millions of dollars a year in electricity sales. The dams once powered a now-closed aluminum smelter in Stanly County.
Alcoa's 50-year license on the dams expired last year, and the company wants a new license for another 50 years.
Republican Sen. Fletcher Hartsell of Cabarrus County said the state should control water usage so important to the area's economy.
|Home|