Alabama Power

Powering Up Cherokee County

Weiss Lake was created in 1958 when Alabama Power constructed Weiss Dam to provide electricity to a wider region of Northeastern

Alabama.

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. 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

maximize their enjoyment of the lake. In the past year, the Shoreline Management Office has issued 598 permits and has assisted several hundred other residences around the lake. All the employees work diligently to make Weiss Lake a premier destination for visitors and residents. The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce has determined that Weiss Lake is the major economic driver for the region. Alabama Power continues to partner with local and state organizations to promote the lake and develop area recreation opportunities. Shoreline Management partners with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to provide several public access sites around Weiss Lake. Alabama Power looks forward to continuing these partnerships and expanding its efforts to be a major part of the community and assist in the economic development of the area. The local Shoreline Management Office employees will continue to preserve the environmental, ecological, recreational and aesthetic aspects of Weiss Lake so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Dennis Trammell Team Leader, Alabama Power

“Each day, the Weiss Lake Shoreline management team is tasked with working out solutions that meet the needs of individuals, industries and organizations while protecting Alabama Power’s property rights and maintaining compliance with its license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and its Programmatic General Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is accomplished through the permitting process, by providing lake access at our recreational sites, educating the stakeholders and public, and promoting best management practices.”