West Point Dam and Powerhouse

Prior to the construction of West Point Dam, the Chattahooche River flowed freely through the Valley area, including West Point, Georgia, and Valley and Lanett, Alabama, in its journey downstream.  River levels varied according to the amount of rainfall, and flooding was not uncommon. This flooding caused much property damage in the local area.  As the cities downstream continued to grow with new homes and businesses, the need to protect lives and property from flooding increased as well.  In the late 50's and early 60's the communities, along with their political representatives, called upon the Federal Government for assistance.

 As a result, the United States Congress passed the Flood Control Act of 1962.  This authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study, design, and construct West Point Dam.  This act provided that the project be constructed for flood control hydroelectric power generation, recreation, navigation, and fish and wildlife management. Water quality was later added as an authorized purpose. 

The Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had the design, land acquisition, and construction responsibility.  Construction began in the mid-1960's and was completed in 1975, taking about ten years.  After completion of the project the operation responsibility was turned over to Mobile District of the Army Corps of Engineers.

West Point Project Management Office:
Open Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm ET

Summer Season
Monday - Sunday
April - September

Winter Season
Monday - Friday
October - March