Millers Ferry Lock and Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Millers Ferry Lock and Dam |
|
|---|---|
Aerial view of Millers Ferry Lock and Dam from the south.
|
|
| Location | Wilcox County, Alabama |
| Coordinates | 32°6′3.05″N 87°23′59.98″W / 32.1008472°N 87.3999944°W |
| Construction began | 1963 |
| Opening date | 1974 |
| Operator(s) | USACE |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Alabama River |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir |
| Surface area | 27 sq mi (70 km2) |
The Millers Ferry Lock and Dam is a big structure on the Alabama River in Alabama. It has two main parts: a lock and a hydroelectric dam.
A dam is like a wall that holds back water, creating a lake. A lock is like a water elevator that helps boats move up or down between different water levels. This dam also uses the power of moving water to make electricity!
The United States Army Corps of Engineers built this amazing structure. They also continue to operate it today. Building started in 1963 and was finished in 1974.
What the Dam Does
The Millers Ferry Dam helps control the water flow of the Alabama River. It also creates a large lake behind it.
Making Electricity
The dam has a special building called the Millers Ferry Powerhouse. This powerhouse started making electricity in 1970. It can produce 90 megawatts of power. That's enough electricity for many homes!
The Reservoir
The dam holds back the water to form a large lake called the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir. This reservoir is about 27 square miles (70 km2) big. It has a very long shoreline, stretching for about 500 miles (800 km).
Helping Fish Travel
Since 2009, the people who run the dam have been doing something special for fish. They open the dam's locks for a few hours each day. This helps fish that live in the ocean travel inland to lay their eggs.
Scientists check to see which types of fish are using these openings. This helps them figure out the best times to open the locks. It's a great way to help nature and keep the river healthy!
