Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1029341
"e new gates will allow us better control of the flow over the spillway," said urlow Dam Superintendent Joel Johnson. Alabama Power worked with the Alabama Historical Commission and the University of Alabama to research urlow Dam when designing the new gates. e dam was built on the site of an early 19th-century textile mill. e dam came on line in December 1930 and is named in honor of Oscar G. urlow, a chief engineer, vice president and director of Alabama Power. e new design will feature only four spans that operate independently across the top of the dam but will mimic the historic look of the original dam. Decades ago, local boosters promoted urlow Dam as the "Niagara of the South" for the way the Tallapoosa River spills over the dam when all the gates are open. "We wanted to do our best to make sure the improved urlow Dam looks like it does now," Johnson said. "is will look and feel like the urlow we all know and remember." Signs will also be added near the dam to pay homage to the original spillway gate design. e replacement work is being done during the summer to take advantage of drier weather. "While the timing does conflict with the summer recreational season, the summer is when we get the least rain, meaning the work will be done more efficiently than if attempted during our rainy season from November to May," Johnson said. While work is being done at urlow, nearby recreation locations remain available to the public, including East Bank Tailrace Site, West Bank Tailrace Site and Yates Dam Boat Launch. Alabama Power reminds people with boats and other water-related equipment and facilities to always be alert to changing conditions on company reservoirs and be prepared to take necessary steps to protect property. Learn more about Alabama Power's hydro projects at apcshorelines.com. 14 | 2018 Vol: 3