Green River Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green River Lake |
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 Green River Lake
Location in Kentucky
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| Location | Adair / Taylor / Casey counties, Kentucky, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°15′08″N 85°19′51″W / 37.2522°N 85.3308°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Green River |
| Primary outflows | Green River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 8,200 acres (33 km2) |
Green River Lake is a large 8,210-acre (33 km2) man-made lake in Kentucky. It is located in Adair, Taylor, and Casey counties. This area is known as the Highland Rim.
The lake was created in 1969 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. They built a dam to hold back the water of the Green River. This process is called "impounding" the river. The Corps of Engineers is a part of the U.S. Army that builds and manages public works projects.
The dam is about an 11-mile drive from both Campbellsville and Columbia. Green River Lake is also about 90 miles southeast of Louisville. The main reason for the lake is to control floods. It has also become a very popular spot for fun activities at Green River Lake State Park.
How Was Green River Lake Created?
Green River Lake was formed by building a large dam across the Green River. This dam is called the Green River Lake Dam. It is an "earthen dam," which means it's made mostly of earth and rock.
The dam is 144 feet tall and 2,350 feet long at the top. The United States Army Corps of Engineers owns and operates it. The project to build the dam and lake cost about $33.4 million. This was approved by a law called the Flood Control Act in 1938.
The lake covers about 12.8 square miles (33 km2) of water. It can hold a lot of water, especially during heavy rains. The Green River is the longest river that flows entirely within Kentucky, stretching 370 miles.
Green River Lake is the biggest project managed by the Louisville District of the Corps of Engineers. This includes both the land and water, totaling 33,793 acres. In 1972, the first "Interpretative Center" in the Louisville Engineer District opened here. This center helps visitors learn about the lake and its environment.
What Are the Benefits of Green River Lake?
Green River Lake brings many good things to the area. Its main purpose is to prevent floods. The United States Army Corps of Engineers says that the lake has stopped over $123.39 million in flood damage since it was built.
Besides flood protection, the lake is a big draw for visitors. People spend money on things like boating, fishing, and camping. This helps the local economy. For example, in 2008 alone, visitors spent about $34.75 million at the lake.
Here are some past benefits:
- 2008: The lake prevented $123.39 million in flood damage (total since built). Visitors spent $34.75 million.
- 2007: The lake prevented $116.9 million in flood damage (total since built).
- 2006: The lake prevented $116.5 million in flood damage (total since built). Visitors spent $34.6 million.
- 2004: The lake prevented $109.2 million in flood damage (total since built). Visitors spent $33.0 million.
- 2003: The lake prevented $101.9 million in flood damage (total since built). Visitors spent $30.3 million.
- 2002: Visitors spent $30.2 million.
The city of Campbellsville also gets its water from Green River Lake. This was set up when Robert L. Miller was the mayor.
