Millers Ferry Lock and Dam is a

lock Lock(s) may refer to: Common meanings *Lock and key, a mechanical device used to secure items of importance *Lock (water navigation), a device for boats to transit between different levels of water, as in a canal Arts and entertainment * ''Lock ...

and hydroelectric

dam A dam is a barrier that stops or restricts the flow of surface water or underground streams. Reservoirs created by dams not only suppress floods but also provide water for activities such as irrigation, human consumption, industrial use ...

on the Alabama River, near the community of Millers Ferry,

Alabama (We dare defend our rights) , anthem = "Alabama" , image_map = Alabama in United States.svg , seat = Montgomery , LargestCity = Huntsville , LargestCounty = Baldwin County , LargestMetro = Greater Birmingham , area_total_km2 = 135,765 ...

. It was built by and continues to be operated by the

United States Army Corps of Engineers , colors = , anniversaries = 16 June (Organization Day) , battles = , battles_label = Wars , website = , commander1 = ...

. Construction of the complex began in 1963 and was completed in 1974. The Millers Ferry Powerhouse came on line in 1970 and has a generating capacity of 90

megawatt The watt (symbol: W) is the unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1 joule per second or 1 kg⋅m2⋅s−3. It is used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. The watt is named after James ...

s. Following a history of machinery problems and failures, major repair work on the power station was authorized in 1996. Millers Ferry Lock and Dam impounds the

William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir The William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir is a reservoir created by Millers Ferry Lock and Dam on the Alabama River in Dallas County and Wilcox County in Alabama. It covers and has approximately of shoreline. It was named for William "Bill" Danne ...

. The reservoir covers and has approximately of shoreline. Beginning in the spring of 2009, the Corps of Engineers began opening the dam's locks for a few hours each day in order to restore access to inland waters for migratory marine fish. Fish sampling in the lock is being conducted in order to determine which species are making use of the opening in order to refine the timing.Dute, Jeff and Ben Raines (April 26, 2009) "Opening lock is key to fish migration." ''Mobile Press-Register''

References

{{Reflist Dams in Alabama Hydroelectric power plants in Alabama Crossings of the Alabama River Transportation buildings and structures in Wilcox County, Alabama United States Army Corps of Engineers dams Energy infrastructure completed in 1970 Dams completed in 1974 ACT River Basin

See also

References