Duke Energy Seeks Approval for Public Kayak Launch Facility in North Carolina

Strategic Insights -

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC is seeking approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to grant authorization to the Town of Davidson, North Carolina, for the construction of a public kayak launch facility on 0.120 acres of Project lands and waters, within the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project. The proposed facility will provide lake access and increased recreational opportunities for the general public, subject to meeting the requirements of Duke Energy's FERC license. The application is supported by the Town of Davidson, and no other agencies have raised objections to the proposed lease or construction activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Duke Energy is seeking approval to grant authorization to the Town of Davidson for a public kayak launch facility on 0.120 acres of Project lands and waters.
  • The proposed facility will provide lake access and increased recreational opportunities for the general public, subject to meeting the requirements of Duke Energy's FERC license.
  • The application is supported by the Town of Davidson, and no other agencies have raised objections to the proposed lease or construction activities.
  • The proposed facility is consistent with Article 411 of the Project License, which allows for the non-project use of Project lands and waters.
  • Duke Energy will reserve rights in its agreement with the Town of Davidson to meet the requirements of its FERC license, including ensuring that the use of Project lands and waters does not endanger health or safety, create a nuisance, or be incompatible with overall recreational use of the Project.
  • The applicant has agreed to adhere to comments from regulatory agencies, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, USFWS, NCDEQ Division of Water Resources, NCWRC, and Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement.
  • The Town of Davidson Planning Department has notified the applicant that the project must be submitted for zoning compliance when the building permit is requested.

Statistics:

  • 0.12 acres: The proposed lease area for the public kayak launch facility.
  • 45 days: The time period within which the Commission must require Duke Energy to file an application for prior approval.
  • 10/15/2025: The date on which Duke Energy filed its application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
  • Multiple agencies: The number of regulatory agencies contacted for review of the application, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, USFWS, NCDEQ Division of Water Resources, NCWRC, Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, and Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services.
  • 100%: The proposed facility will provide lake access and increased recreational opportunities for the general public.

Sources:

  • [Application Date: 10/15/2025]
  • FERC Docket Number: P-2232-1
  • Document Accession #: 20251015-5043
  • https://elibrary.ferc.gov
  • [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission]
  • [Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC]
  • [Town of Davidson, North Carolina]