NR 14-006: Corps offers tours of Cordell Hull Dam Power Plant, Lock

Published April 28, 2014

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 28, 2014) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is offering the public free guided tours of the Cordell Hull Dam Power Plant and Lock in Carthage, Tenn.  These are the first tours of the power plant since visitation was restricted after Sept. 11, 2001. Not all portions of the dam will be accessible to the public due to safety concerns. 

Approximately 45 minutes in length, tours are scheduled 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 7, July 12, and Aug. 16.

Tour size is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  All guests including minors are required to submit a request form at least five days prior to the tour and receive confirmation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District.

Cordell Hull Lake Resource Manager Mark Herd said it is the Nashville District’s mission to unlock the story of the Cordell Hull Lake Power Plant and Lock and their many benefits to the nation.  “Guided access will be provided inside the power plant where participants can view the generators and gain an understanding of how the plant operates and the importance of hydropower generation to the community and the nation.  These tours will also allow access to the Lock area and will provide valuable information regarding the lockage process,” said Herd. 

Registered tour participants will be required to check in at the Cordell Hull Power Plant reception area approximately 15 minutes prior to the designated tour time where they will receive a brief introduction prior to beginning the tour. 

In addition to the guided power plant and lock tours, Corps Park Rangers will be available from 8 a.m to 3 p.m. at the Resource Manager’s Office to answer questions and conduct a brief presentation on the many benefits that Cordell Hull Lake provides.   Visitors may stop by any time from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to take part in this update.  Registration is not required for access to the Resource Manager’s Office.

To register and to learn more about the tours’ rules and details, please visit http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Locations/Lakes/CordellHullLake/OpenHouseTours.aspx. For more information, please call the Cordell Hull Lake Resource Manager’s Office at (615) 735-1034. 

The Cordell Hull Lake Power Plant and Dam are located at 150 Corps Lane, Carthage, TN 37030.  The Resource Manager’s Office is located at 71 Corps Lane, Carthage, TN 37030.

(The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at www.lrn.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps.  The public can also visit Cordell Hull Lake’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/cordellhulllake)
Contact
Bill Peoples
615-736-7161
william.l.peoples@usace.army.mil
or
Lee Roberts
615-736-7161
leon.a.roberts@usace.army.mil

Release no. 14-006