News 14 Carolina Web Staff
Thursday, May 07, 2009
State looks at Yadkin River dam control
GREENSBORO – The N.C. Senate has agreed to a preliminary step that would help North Carolina take control of four dams in the Yadkin River.
Alcoa Inc. has had a 50-year license with the federal government to use the waterway to generate energy. Now, state officials that include Gov. Bev Perdue are questioning if the contract is still beneficial for North Carolina.
The negative environmental impact the dams have on the water is also a concern, as is the fact that Alcoa is no longer seen as an economic driver in the Yadkin River area.
"Is it in the public interest to continue to license an entity to continue to operate and benefit or is there an alternate entity that can do a better job,” said Sen. Fletcher Hartsell, R-Cabarrus Co.
The Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that would create a state-run trust which could purchase the dams.
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