[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 150 (Monday, September 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING WILSON DAM ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2025

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a special 
anniversary in Alabama's 4th Congressional District. One hundred years 
ago, on September 12, 1925, Wilson Dam began commercial operations. As 
a part of the Tennessee Valley Authority's network of hydroelectric 
dams, Wilson Dam supports TVA's mission of providing low-cost, reliable 
power, flood control, and navigation of the Tennessee River. Over the 
past 100 years, Wilson Dam has powered communities, enabled river 
commerce, and driven economic growth throughout the Tennessee Valley.
  Located in Florence, Alabama, Wilson Dam has 21 generating units, 
capable of producing up to 663 megawatts of electricity and powering 
over 350,000 homes and businesses in north Alabama.
  Wilson 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-life lock east of the Rockies. More than 3,700 
vessels on average and 11.4 million tons of goods pass through Wilson 
Dam'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, while 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. Wilson Dam has 
fulfilled--and continues to fulfill--TVA's mission statement of serving 
the people of the Valley region.
  I hope my fellow Alabamians will join me in celebrating all that 
Wilson Dam has done for our state, and our region, for one hundred 
years. Here's to the next 100.

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