POWERGRAMS

5 positive impact on Wedowee," said Mayor Tim Coe, who has served in that capacity for almost 31 years. "Without question it's been the biggest economic driver we've had in the northern half of the county." Wedowee and the surrounding area have seen new jobs created as a direct result of the dam and lake, Coe said. They include construction and maintenance jobs, and along with people such as Morris and Norton moving to the area, the growth means more dollars spent locally on fishing, shopping, dining out and more. Crystal White, a team leader with Alabama Power Shorelines Management, said the number of permits issued for building, repairing or modifying structures on Harris Lake increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. That sustained growth, and the trend of more people doing their jobs remotely, has seen Wedowee and communities around the lake transform into a region where more people are living and working, as opposed to just a weekend tourist destination. Investing in communities Alabama Power understands its responsibility and connection to the communities it serves, and the positive economic and recreational impacts of its dams and lakes. The company maintains public use sites, known as The Preserves, around Harris Lake, and protects land around the reservoir. Little Fox, a day-use area at Harris Lake, was developed by Alabama Power in partnership with the Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association. It features miles of walking trails, pollinator plots, gazebos and plenty of fishing spots. HARRIS LAKE HARRIS LAKE WEDOWEE Harris Lake is fed by the Tallapoosa and Little Tallapoosa rivers. Harris Dam retaining wall being finalized. (APC Archives)

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