Martin Project

The Martin Project (FERC No. 349) is located near Dadeville, Alabama on the Tallapoosa River, in the counties of Elmore and Tallapoosa. The Martin Dam was the first of four dams constructed on the Tallapoosa River in the early 1900s. At the time it was built, the Martin dam created the world's largest artificial body of water. The dam impounds approximately 40,000 acres of water, known as Lake Martin. To learn more about the dam, powerhouse and reservoir, visit the Martin Dam Fact Sheet.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Alabama Power Company (Alabama Power) a new operating license for the Martin Project on May 11, 1978. This license will expire on June 8, 2013.

Alabama Power is beginning the process of relicensing the Martin Hydroelectric Project. Alabama Power intends to use FERC's Integrated Licensing Process to relicense the Martin Project. While 2013 may seem far away, APC must complete a multi-year consultation process and file an application for a new operating license with FERC by June 8, 2011, in order to continue generating electricity beyond 2013. This process is called "relicensing."

Alabama Power believes the key to a successful relicensing is to balance the many benefits of the Tallapoosa River and Lake Martin using four critical elements:

• Communication among Alabama Power and stakeholders
• Public and agency involvement in the relicensing process
• Continual education for all parties
• Commitment among Alabama Power and stakeholders to resolve issues

Successfully completing the relicensing process will involve identifying and resolving issues related to the Project in consultation with the many federal and state resource agencies, local and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals that have an interest in the Project. These entities and individuals are commonly referred to as "stakeholders." Alabama Power is eager to work with interested stakeholders to develop solutions that balance the production of renewable electricity and the protection and enhancement of environmental resources on the Tallapoosa River. If you have additional questions or comments about relicensing, or would like to participate in the process, please contact Jim Crew, Hydro Licensing Project Manager.