Essay on Nottely Dam: Fdr’s New Deal Project

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) assumed office when the economy of the country was on the verge of collapse as a result of the Great Depression.[1] Consequently, the president launched several programs known as ‘FDR’s New Deal’ mainly to reverse the economic decline of the nation. Through the New Deal programs; the general public was put back to work, financial institutions were assisted in reestablishing their capital, and the economic health of the United States was restored.[2]

Notably, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was one of the FDR’s New Deal. The Tennessee Valley Authority Act formed the TVA program on 18^th May 1933.[3] It remains one of the FDR’s New Deal programs which is still in effect at the moment. The main objective of the plan was to execute and oversee various developments concentrated on the river basin. As a result of the TVA system, several dams were constructed for flood control and production of hydroelectric power. For instance, Nottely dam is one of the projects implemented by the TVA program.[4]

The pleasant-sounding name of the dam, Nottely, is derived from the River Nottely in Union county, Georgia. Similarly, River Nottely was given the name of the Cherokee village of Naduhli, and it originates from the Cherokee word which means “a brave horseman”. The dam and its reservoir covertly lie deep into the wooded mountains of North Georgia. It is situated on the southeastern border of the Tennessee River catchment area. It provides beautiful scenery and preeminent fishing ground.

The location had been identified by several private companies as a potential dam site early before Nottely dam was constructed. After the establishment of TVA, it extensively performed a survey on the catchment-basin, and the process of building the Nottely dam began. The construction of the dam commenced in 1941. The strategic location of the Nottely Dam enables it to push floodwater downstream to hydroelectric power-generating Hiwassee Dam.[5]

Remarkably, constructing the dam needed approximately eight thousand acres to be purchased, ninety-one families to be relocated, and twenty-one miles of roads to be redesigned.[6] Workers adopted the use of a comparatively simple design that could be accomplished as fast as possible. The gates of Nottely dam were closed in January 1942. A generator was installed in 1950 hence allowing the dam to generate a maximum of 18 megawatts. The reservoir has a depth of about 197 feet with a horizontal stretch of 3,915 feet across River Nottely.

In addition to hydroelectric power production and floodwater storage, Nottely dam provides an incredible platform for reactional activities. The features of the reservoir such as camping area and swim beach as well as TVA-managed trajectories attracts numerous bikers and hikers.[7] These trails are a continuous grade of approximately two miles. They form the shape of figure 8, and are primarily in the forest, with portions which deviate proximate to the shore. It is easy and comfortable to hike on the Nottely Tail-Water Trail which trails a stream and culminates in a picnic setting. It also provides habitation for wildlife as wildflowers, deer, and several birds such as wild turkeys live there.[8]

In summary, some of the objectives of the TVA program were to produce hydroelectric power, control flood, develop agricultural fertilizers, restore the forest, and control erosion to enhance food production. Nottely Dam is noticeable evidence of the TVA’s goals that have been successfully implemented. Ideally, the reservoir has improved life in the Tennessee valley as was initially projected. Besides, the tranquillity in the environment of Nottely Dam and its reservoir make it one of the most scenic places in Georgia.

Bibliography

Mountain Reservoirs Land Management Plan, Chatuge, Hiwassee, Blue Ridge, Nottely, Ocoees 1,2, and 3, Appalachia, and Fontana Reservoirs: Environmental Impact Statement. 2009.

“The Quiet Beauty of Nottely.” TVA.com. Accessed November 18, 2020. https://www.tva.com/about-tva/our-history/built-for-the-people/the-quiet-beauty-of-nottely.

“Roosevelt’s New Deal Programs Still in Effect Today.” ThoughtCo. Accessed November 18, 2020. https://www.thoughtco.com/new-deal-programs-still-in-effect-today-4154043.

[1] “Roosevelt’s New Deal Programs Still in Effect Today.” ThoughtCo. Accessed November 18, 2020. https://www.thoughtco.com/new-deal-programs-still-in-effect-today-4154043.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4]Mountain Reservoirs Land Management Plan, Chatuge, Hiwassee, Blue Ridge, Nottely, Ocoee’s 1,2, and 3, Appalachia, and Fontana Reservoirs: Environmental Impact Statement. 2009.

[5]Mountain Reservoirs Land Management Plan, Chatuge, Hiwassee, Blue Ridge, Nottely, Ocoee’s 1,2, and 3, Appalachia, and Fontana Reservoirs: Environmental Impact Statement. 2009.

[6] Ibid.

[7] “The Quiet Beauty of Nottely.” TVA.com. Accessed November 18, 2020. https://www.tva.com/about-tva/our-history/built-for-the-people/the-quiet-beauty-of-nottely.

[8] The Quiet Beauty of Nottely.” TVA.com. Accessed November 18, 2020. https://www.tva.com/about-tva/our-history/built-for-the-people/the-quiet-beauty-of-nottely..