State Legislature Votes to Create The Uwharrie Regional Resources Commission

Yes, something has happened with the State takeover of the Yadkin River dams currently managed by ALCOA. But it isn't what the takeover proponents wanted. The Legislature voted down a bill (both last Fall and again earlier this month) to create the Yadkin River Trust meant to take over and manage the Yadkin River dams.

In its place, the Legislature passed House Bill 972, an act to create The Uwharrie Regional Resources Commission -- "to foster economic development and protect and enhance the natural resources of that region." The commission will consist of ten members and will "Provide guidance and make recommendations...." There is no mention of taking over and managing the Yadkin River dams; it explicitly states "The role of the Commission is advisory in nature, and in no way shall the Commission be construed to have regulatory authority."

So it now appears that the quest to stop the ALCOA relicensing by Stanly County and the State has run into a dead end. The only thing preventing the FERC from granting the new license to ALCOA is the Stay on the water quality certificate that was issued by the State. And the FERC says (in a letter to Representative Larry Kissell on May 7) "Once the stay is lifted, the Commission will be ready to take action on the [ALCOA] relicense application....."

Now, what's holding up the water quality certificate?

...............Garry