POWERGRAMS

4 When R.L. Harris Dam went into service in 1983, it was the culmination of a project that began more than 50 years ago. The site on the Tallapoosa River was identified for a dam in the mid-1920s but did not receive federal approval until 1973. After 40 years in service, Harris Dam and Harris Lake have not only provided decades of low-cost hydroelectric power, flood control and recreational opportunities. They've also been catalysts for economic growth and a quality of life that's attracting visitors and new residents from all over the country. Harris Lake – known locally as Lake Wedowee after the small, nearby town – has built a reputation as one of the cleanest lakes in the country, while Wedowee and Randolph County are known for low tax and crime rates, said Terry Norton, a retired Georgia State Patrol officer turned Realtor. Lake Harris has also been named one of the top lakes in Alabama for fishing. "It's just a place that has good, hometown charm," Norton said. "When you come here and see the lake, it's like going back in time. I call it the Mayberry of Alabama. It used to be one of our best-kept secrets, but more and more people are discovering it and once they visit, they fall in love." Randy Morris, owner of the lake's original marina, Wedowee Marine, said growth around the lake and his booming boat retail business led him to open a second marina on the reservoir. Morris, originally from Cobb County, Georgia, said he and his family used to visit the area on weekends but moved permanently in the 1990s. He's enjoyed raising a family in the area. As former Georgia residents, Morris and Norton agree the lake's proximity to that state has been a draw for many Georgians looking to visit, vacation and even retire in the area. "The dam and the lake have had a tremendously At 40, Harris Lake continues to make a positive impact on east Alabama At 40, Harris Lake continues to make a positive impact on east Alabama Top photos by Billy Brown Harris Dam under construction in 1982. (APC Archives)

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