The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is offering the public free guided tours of Center Hill Power Plant. These are the first tours of the power plant since visitation was restricted after Sept. 11, 2001.
Approximately 45 minutes in length, tours are scheduled on July 20, Aug. 17, and Sep. 7, beginning at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon.
Tour size is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. All guests, including minors, are required to submit a request form at least five days prior to the tour and receive confirmation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District.
Center Hill Lake Resource Manager Kevin Salvilla said it is the Nashville District’s mission to unlock the story of the Center Hill Lake Power Plant and its many benefits to the nation. “Guided access will be provided inside the power plant where participants can view the generators and gain an understanding of how the plant operates and the importance of hydropower generation to the community and the nation,” said Salvilla.
Registered tour participants will be required to check in at the Center Hill Power Plant reception area approximately 15 minutes prior to the designated tour time where they will receive a brief introduction prior to beginning the tour.
In addition to the guided power plant tours, Corps Park Rangers will be available from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Resource Manager’s Office to answer questions and conduct a brief presentation on the many benefits that Center Hill Lake provides. Linda Adcock, Project Manager for the Center Hill Dam Seepage Rehabilitation Project, will also be providing a brief update at the Resource Manager’s Office-Shop Conference Room on the progress of construction. Visitors may stop by any time from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take part in this update and receive the latest information on the rehabilitation project. Registration is not required for access to the Resource Manager’s Office.
To request a tour registration form and to learn more about the tours’ rules and details, please call the Center Hill Lake Resource Manager’s Office at (931) 858-3125, or visit the Center Hill Lake website at http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/op/cen/rec/.
The Center Hill Power Plant and Dam are located at 270 Lancaster Road, Lancaster, TN 38569. The Resource Manager’s Office is located at 158 Resource Lane, Lancaster, TN 38569.
Corps to offer dam power plant tours