(KFVS/WKYT) – In Western Kentucky, the Kentucky Dam has been an engineering marvel for nearly 80 years.
In honor of America’s 250th Birthday, the Tennessee Valley Authority is opening the dam to the public for limited special behind-the-scenes tours.
Built in 1944 with a length of over 8,400 feet, Kentucky Dam creates Kentucky Lake, the largest artificial lake in the eastern US, and generates 184 megawatts of hydroelectric power.
Scott Brooks is with the Tennessee Valley Authority, which maintains and operates the dam.
“It’s one of the most important dams that we have. Because it holds back the water from all 48 other dams,” says Brooks.
He says with America’s 250th Birthday being celebrated all year long, they are giving folks a chance for an inside look at this modern marvel.
“All of our dams have the same wording on them. Built for the people of the United States of America. We thought it was the perfect opportunity to open for a limited time to a limited number of people,” says Brooks.
Judy Cannon-Jones moved to Benton, KY in 1946. That’s when her father began a decades-long career at Kentucky Dam.
“When we moved to Benton in 46, we were called the DAM kids. D-A-M,” says Jones.
This was her first visit inside the dam in over 50 years.
“It is so interesting to see how it still works like it just did — except now it’s more digital and less labor,” added Jones.
She says the biggest changes in the last 78 years are increased security and stricter public access.
“Things were so different. Because everything was open then. We could go up to the turbines and look down and see the water swirling. My dad did lots of fishing — because all he had to do was take readings,” says Jones.
Judy says Kentucky Dam does more than hold back water and generate power; it’s also the perfect spot for the perfect catch that began with her father — and now her grandson.
“If he could just stay and fish all the time. He would love it. It’s just such a great thing, and you get food out of it,” says Jones.
As the tour wrapped up, Judy said her father would be so happy with the state of the dam and the impact it continues to have in the Heartland.
“He loved it. He loved Kentucky Dam. And it was great when we came to visit it,” says Jones.
If you’re interested in touring Kentucky Dam, tours are extremely limited. For more information, visit the Tennessee Valley Authority’s website.