Powering Up Cherokee County
Alabama Power employees have been an integral part of the Cherokee County community since construction began on Weiss Dam in 1958. Most Alabama Power employees who work on Weiss Lake call Cherokee County home.
Weiss Lake was created in 1958 when Alabama Power constructed Weiss Dam to provide electricity to a wider region of Northeastern Alabama. AlabamaPower.com 4
Today, Alabama Power continues its community involvement and support of the area by not only operating a full complement of employees at the Weiss Dam, but also by maintaining a Shoreline Management Office that enhances community access to and enjoyment of Weiss Lake. Alabama Power employees follow their company motto that stresses safety, unquestionable trust, superior performance and total commitment. These values are practiced during the workday and at home. Not only does Alabama Power strive to be an active part of the community, it is a
good steward of the environment. In 2000, Weiss Lake Improvement Association (WLIA) was the first partner in a new Alabama Power program called “Renew the Coosa.” That program is now known as “Renew Our Rivers” (ROR) and has grown to cover Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Florida. To date, ROR has removed 15 million pounds of trash from the waterways and has had about 110,000 volunteers. The Shoreline Management team continues to work with ROR and works hand in hand with local officials, including the health department, to improve water quality. Alabama Power opened a full-time Shoreline Management Office in Centre in 2006. The office has grown to three fulltime employees and four surveillance contractors. The office is tasked with protecting Alabama Power’s property rights around Weiss Lake, and with helping the public and adjoining property owners
