By John Barker, Mobile District, public affairs specialist
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, recently hosted the Murray County Chamber of Commerce Youth and Adult Leadership groups at Carters Lake in Murray County, Ga.
“When the students visit the project we focus on technical job skills that are needed right here in their own county,” said Miriam Fleming, Carters Lake project manager.
The Murray Leadership Groups toured the powerhouse and dam, visitor center, as well as the resource management office powerhouse and dam.
“They learned about our hydropower, recreation, and natural resource missions at Carters Lake,” said Oliver Craig, Carters Lake resource manager. “Everything from how we generate electricity to the economic impact our recreation areas have on the region. They also learned about the history of the Corps.”
Diane Arnold, a program manager for the Murray County Chamber, said that the diverse professions within the Corps of Engineers was interesting to the students.
“It was important to show the students and adults the diversity of what Murray County has to offer in a variety of areas,” Arnold said. “The mission statement of the Chamber is to be a voice, bridge, partner and advocate for the businesses and citizens of Murray County.”
Both the Youth and Adult Leadership groups toured Carter Lake recreation area, 24 members of the youth group visited Aug. 9, and 15 members of the adult group toured Oct. 10.
“These are the future leaders from Murray County and Carters Lake is an asset for Murray County,” Craig said. “It is important for the community to know what the Corps does here, how we do it, and why we do it. It’s a benefit for Murray County leadership; and it's also a benefit for the Corps, to ensure we are fostering the important relationships we have with Murray County and other communities throughout the region.”
Carters Lake is located in the North Georgia Mountains, midway between Atlanta and Chattanooga at 1915 Carters Dam Road, Chatsworth, Ga., 30705. The lake offers 65 miles of undeveloped shoreline surrounding 3,200 acres of water. For more information on Carters Lake recreation areas, call 706-334-2248.