POWERGRAMS

23 Loving Lake Martin ALEXANDER CITY, ALABAMA POWER RESERVOIR ARE MATCHING SET Alex City and Lake Martin are more than two peas in a pod. The city and lake have been inseparable since Martin Dam began expanding the Tallapoosa River into the world's largest manmade body of water 90 years ago. Each has depended on the other through the years, developing a partnership that has benefited both. The lake and the city are the closest of kin. "Everybody in Alex City grew up on the lake," said lifelong resident and two- term former mayor Don McClellan. "I think it's bred in the people of our community." Standing on the bluffs of Alabama Power's scenic overlook park high above the 168-foot-tall, 2,000-foot-long dam, it's not hard to imagine Lake Martin as its namesake Tom Martin's greatest accomplishment in his 43-year leadership of the company. It was the company's third hydropower facility but concurrently created 880 miles of shoreline and 41,150 acres of sparkling water that has boosted myriad aspects of life in Coosa, Elmore and Tallapoosa counties. The former backwoods region now bustles with activity, supporting countless businesses catering to fishing, boating, camping, sight- seeing and, foremost to the economy, construction. Where Russell Corporation failed, Russell Lands flourished. The premier land developer in the area is one of the top employers. When tax revenues from Russell Mills began falling drastically, McClellan says revenues from new lake homes and businesses rose dramatically, jumping 30 percent annually during several especially difficult economic years. More than half of all Tallapoosa County property taxes now come from lake homes. Historian Leah Rawls Atkins said the filling of Lake Martin in 1928- 29 is second only to the establishment of Russell Corporation in the annals of Alex City. While multi-million- dollar homes dot the lakeshore, Lake Martin remains accessible to factory owner and factory worker alike. Alabama Power has built seven public boat launches, multiple public fishing spots, Pace's Point Pier and 30-acre DARE Power Park, which has a beach, boat launch, public restrooms, amphitheater, grills, picnic tables, pavilions and docks. Wind Creek State Park has been a favorite for locals and visitors for nearly 50 years. The 1,445- acre state facility has 586 campsites and 39 cabins, all available at reasonable prices, with easy access to bathhouses, playgrounds and nearly 29 miles of hiking trails. "Back when I was young, Wind Creek was the place to be, and it remains that today," said McClellan. Since 2002, taxes from Wind Creek have helped fund the Gateway to Education Scholarship Program that allows all Benjamin Russell High School graduates to attend Central Alabama Community College for two years. McClellan said the setup not only helps local kids get an education, but gets the community a better workforce. Just south of Wind Creek is another lake fixture that has had no less of an impact during its 27 years of operation. Children's Harbor provides disabled and sick children and their families a place to have fun and relax on 66 acres of prime real estate donated by Ben and Luanne Russell. Standout facilities in 32 buildings are offered free to nonprofit organizations. "Sometimes people think we're a state park and Restaurant is a popular stopover. Lake Martin has 880 miles of shoreline and more than 40,000 acres of water. Photo by Marvin Gilmore Photo by Billy Brown by Chuck Chandler and Alexandra own

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