Committed To Service Weiss Lake Shoreline Management Team

Had it not been for the foresight of three determined pioneers, Alabama Power and Weiss Lake might never have been.

The notable founder was William P. Lay, a third-generation riverboat captain. Probably better than anyone, he knew Alabama rivers with their shoals and rapids and recognized sites excellent for hydroelectric dams. He founded Alabama Power Company on December 4, 1906. Although he had support, he lacked funding. Fortunately, meeting James W. Mitchell would be the answer. Mitchell had spent years bringing electricity to Brazil and was an expert in procuring promising sites for hydroelectric dams. Confidently, Lay turned over control of

Alabama Power to Mitchell in 1912 with an objective: “I now commit to you the good name and destiny of Alabama Power. May it be developed for the service of Alabama.” If not for the work of James Mitchell, bringing electricity to Alabama could have been delayed for decades.

Many financiers at home and abroad were impressed by Mitchell’s ability and reputation for finding good sites for dams and funding from London became available. However,

Mitchell’s interest went beyond investments. He said, “To make money is all right; to build industry is fine. But to build an industry that saves mankind from toil which it can well be spared, that reduces the labor and drudgery of women, that provides leisure for education and culture—truly is a much finer thing.”

A turning point for Mitchell was when he met Thomas W. Martin, an attorney working to construct laws regarding Alabama dams. He readily understood that the growth and success of Alabama Power and the state of Alabama were linked. He would say, “Nothing can be good for Alabama Power unless it is first good for Alabama.” He would serve as its president until 1949, initiating projects that continue to benefit the state today.

Weiss was the first dam constructed as part of an Alabama Power Company construction program that would further alter the Coosa River in the 1950s and 1960s and began generating power on June 5, 1961. After fifty-five years the riverboat captain’s vision became a reality.

Today, we appreciate the fruits of that labor. The reservoir is 52 miles long with 447 miles of shoreline and covers 30,200 acres. Not only is Weiss Lake ours to enjoy but also to preserve and protect for the present and for the future.

Alabama Power Company’s shoreline management team is essential to this effort and through its shoreline permitting program, helps ensure the health and welfare of the lake’s environment while maintaining the integrity of the shoreline.

Kadie Nowak, the first woman named to this position, is well prepared for the task. She holds degree in business administration from Shorter University and is certified in drafting and design technology. She joined Alabama Power Company in August 2015. She has worked with Alabama Power in previous roles as an administrative assistant and in the Land Acquisition legal division. Kadie is also experienced in land surveying, having worked in the private sector for several years.

What she enjoys most about her job is interacting with people and helping them navigate the permitting process. Her team works closely with property owners on the lake to make sure they understand the shoreline permitting process and General Guidelines for Residential Shoreline Permitting. “We want to keep the public informed,” said Nowak. “Knowing about the requirements for permits and the regulations that are in place can be very helpful in the long run.”

“Our team reviews every permit application to ensure protection of sensitive shoreline. If a shoreline is classified as ‘sensitive shoreline’ our Environmental Affairs Department will determine if the property is sensitive for wetlands, cultural resources or threatened and endangered species, and a course of action will be determined,“ said Nowak. “Shoreline permits also assist in balancing private and public uses of the shoreline and the lake. We work closely with the communities surrounding the reservoir. Together, we can protect and enhance the scenic, recreational and environmental resources Weiss delivers.”

“It is important for owners and builders planning construction on Weiss Lake to know they can contact the shoreline management team. We will help them understand our guidelines and help them navigate the permitting process. We want everyone to enjoy lake life and its pleasures as much as we do,” she continued.

“It’s been over one hundred years since, Captain Lay committed Alabama Power to the service of Alabama and we are still dedicated to that purpose.”