Back in the mid-1940s, Congress recognised the need for better flood control and navigation. To pay for these services, Congress passed laws that started the building of federal hydroelectric dams, and sold the power from the dams under long-term contracts. Today these dams provide efficient, environmentally safe electricity for cities and rural areas.
SEPA (n.y): Lakes, Electricity & You. Elberton: Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA) URL [Accessed: 04.03.2019] PDF