Delegated Order Amends Non-Project Use of Project Lands and Waters at the Coosa River Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a delegated order amending the non-project use of project lands and waters at the Coosa River Hydroelectric Project No. 2146. The order responds to a construction completion report filed by Alabama Power Company, the licensee for the project, on March 14, 2025. The report documents the completion of shoreline and water-based amenities associated with the City of Lincoln's fishing tournament park, which was authorized in a 2020 order.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2020 Order Modifying and Approving Non-Project Use of Project Lands and Waters authorized the construction of a fishing tournament park with various shoreline and water-based amenities.
  • Alabama Power Company filed a construction completion report on March 14, 2025, documenting the completion of some but not all of the authorized construction.
  • The report shows that two of the seven fixed piers were installed with floating piers instead of fixed walkways, two of the three fixed piers were constructed but not all three, and the weigh-in pavilion was not built, with only a concrete pad installed.
  • The construction completion report also identifies the omission of several other structures, including the maintenance building, pedestrian bridges, and water withdrawal.
  • The Director of the FERC orders that the March 17, 2020 Order be amended to authorize the completed structures at the City of Lincoln's fishing tournament park.
  • The order constitutes final agency action, and any party may file a request for rehearing within 30 days from the date of its issuance.

Statistics:

  • 7 fixed piers were authorized for construction, but only 2 were installed with floating piers, and 2 of 3 fixed piers were constructed.
  • 2 playground pavilions were omitted from completion.
  • 2 playground areas, 2 pedestrian bridges, and the water withdrawal were not constructed.
  • 59 light poles were installed, which is 16 less than authorized.
  • The concrete main parking lot was modified to include 18 additional trailer and truck spaces, and the reinforced grass overflow parking was reduced from 110,623 square feet to 96,700 square feet.

Sources:

  • Alabama Power Company, "Construction Completion Report for the City of Lincoln's Fishing Tournament Park at the Coosa River Hydroelectric Project No. 2146," filed March 14, 2025.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, "Delegated Order: 192 FERC P 62,074," issued August 5, 2025.