The Ela Dam Has Served A Part Of Western NC For Almost 100 Years

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Ela Dam has been in operation since 1925.

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The Ela Dam has served a part of Western NC for almost 100 years, but today produces little energy. Outdoors Editor and Staff Writer for Smoky Mountain News, Holly Kays, discussed her recent story on The Ela Dam. Sediment is in the water and the dam's use for producing energy is behind it. A group plans to take the lead to remove the dam.

This interview originally aired on Aug. 31, 2022.

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Paul Foster

Paul brings you regional news during NPR's Morning Edition from 7 to 9 weekdays, the "Friday Feature" on Fridays and "More to the Story" on Wednesdays. Curating WNCW's Art Break and public service news rounds out his commitment to the communities we serve.

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