Duke Power requests property at sewer plant

By Rose Hooper

If TWSA doesn't agree to the sale, Duke Power would like to lease the property for at least 30 years.

The power company is interested in using two of TWSA's 21 acres to "enhance public recreation," said Steve Bush of Duke Power's real estate division. He made the proposal to the TWSA board of directors during the March meeting.

Duke is currently preparing to relicense four of its hydroelectric facilities, including one in Dillsboro, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The current license expires in July 2005, with final application due July 31 this year.

As part of the licensing process, Duke must show how it plans to increase recreation on the Tuckaseigee River, according to Steve Johnson, who works in Duke's relicensing division.

"We are hoping for a 30-year license, and we would like to have access to that property for the same amount of time," Johnson said.

Duke would use the TWSA property for public parking and access to the river, Bush told the TWSA board members.

TWSA's Dillsboro representative, Jim Cochran, requested additional information, specifically how gaining the TWSA property would impact Duke's decision on removing the Dillsboro dam, an issue that has raised concern among residents of the tourist town.

In addition, TWSA attorney Raymond Large asked the power company representatives to draw up the proposal, including specifying the exact layout and usage, by TWSA's April meeting. Action on the request was tabled until then.

Back to Archive: 03/27/03.