Chet Edwards For Congress

KXXV TV: Central Texas Dam Getting Multi-Million Dollar Face Lift

March 8, 2008

"Clean energy is part of America's future," said Congressman Chet Edwards in the Whitney Dam Saturday afternoon.

In an effort to continue with his push for clean and sustainable energy sources, Edwards secured roughly 4.5 million dollars in funding to revamp the aging structure.

Built in 1949, Whitney Dam has generated thousands of homes in Central Texas with hydroelectric energy.

But after being online for more than half a century, the structure is showing its age.

Turbines and the two generators which convert water power to electricity are wearing out.

"As the plant gets older, we're going to start losing our reliability," said Army Corps of Engineer Tom McGrath.

Edwards said not only does the plant provide electricity for Central Texas but it is an example right here in our backyard of how to curb the nation's dependency on foreign fuel.

"The more we can do of this the more we find other energy sources and develop those the less the chance we have people spending over three dollars for gas," said Edwards.

Edwards added the modernization of the Whitney Dam is a win-win solution.

"This is truly part of our national effort to find renewable and clean energy," added Edwards.

The Army Corps of Engineers was able to sell roughly two million dollars worth of power last year alone.

All that money went right back into the hands of the U.S. Government.

The first stage of the renovation will start at the plant later this year.