[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 149 (Thursday, September 11, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6572-S6573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TVA WILSON DAM

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge a 
special anniversary in Alabama. One hundred years ago, Wilson Dam began 
commercial operations. Part of the Tennessee Valley Authority's network 
of hydroelectric dams, Wilson Dam supports TVA's mission of providing 
low-cost, reliable power and flood control and navigation of the 
Tennessee River.
  Located in Florence, AL, Wilson Dam has 21 generating units, capable 
of producing up to 663 megawatts of electricity and powering more than 
350,000 homes and businesses in north Alabama.

[[Page S6573]]

  The dam is a National Historic Landmark and an engineering feat. It 
stretches nearly a mile--more than 4,500 feet--across the Tennessee 
River. The site plays a crucial role in the movement of goods through 
our country. The main lock has a maximum lift of 100 feet, making it 
the highest single-lift lock east of the Rockies. More than 3,700 
vessels on average and 11.4 million tons of goods pass through Wilson's 
locks each year.
  The associated Wilson Dam Reservoir includes over 160 miles of 
shoreline and covers 15,500 acres, providing ample opportunities for 
recreation. This makes north Alabama a destination for those looking to 
fish, boat, kayak, and enjoy our beautiful State, driving economic 
activity and jobs in Alabama.
  In a testament to the role Wilson Dam plays in the system, TVA is in 
the process of extending the life of the plant for decades. As part of 
the Hydro Life Extension Program, TVA is refurbishing units to improve 
dam safety and increase hydro generation output.
  I hope my fellow Alabamians will join me in celebrating all that 
Wilson Dam has done for our State--and our Region--for 100 years. Here 
is to the next 100.

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