Project History
In
the 1960's, Congress authorized construction of a dam on the Laurel River 2.3
miles above its confluence with the Cumberland River. The dam created a 5,600 acre lake, which provides
hydroelectric power, a safe supply of drinking water for local communities, and
recreation opportunities for the public.
Construction
of the dam by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers began in December 1964 and
Laurel River Lake was impounded in 1974. The
dam’s power plant was completed and began producing electricity in 1977.
Since
its impoundment the Forest Service and the Corps of Engineers have cooperated in
the ongoing work of developing public recreation facilities on and around the
lake. Today, most of the lake is
administered by the Forest Service, London Ranger District, while the Corps of
Engineers oversees the operation of Laurel River Dam and the recreation
facilities at the dam site.
Laurel
River Lake is located within the Daniel Boone National Forest which is managed
for multiple uses.
For
more information and statistical
data click here.
