Craggy Dam's Future: Weighing River Restoration vs. Power Needs

0:00Welcome to Derm News Today, two minutes of news that matter to Derm. A 122-year-old concrete dam on the French broad river in Buncombe County, North Carolina sits at the heart of a heated debate over its future. Known as Craggy Dam, the 13-foot high-structure powers part of a local wastewater treatment plant owned by the Buncombe County Metropolitan, Sewerage District. Several groups in the Craggy Coalition won a third party to buy it at fair market value, remove it, and restore the river for public use. Sparking questions about its worth amid pushes for river health and flood control. Earlier this week, the debate gained steam at an MSD board meeting where officials presented a report from engineering firm Hatch, Outlining Steep. Repair costs and a projected net cash flow of $17.1 million over 30 years from hydro power. Meanwhile, the coalition points to a separate study estimating removal at $6.3 to $8.7 million

1:00far below a demolition. Court of 20 million from another firm. Local advocates highlight big upsides to removal. Like reviving fish habitats, cutting flood risks, and unlocking 3.5 miles of whitewater. For tourism and recreation, river supporters say it's the best move for the community's long-term river health, while MSD leaders worry about higher grid power costs, environmental trade-offs, and protecting rate payers from expenses. New analysis from an energy economist challenges the MSD's cash flow figures, suggesting a present-day value of just $3 to $6 million. After accounting for risks like droughts and repairs, the Hatch reported self-notes a discounted value around $2 million at a 6% rate, fueling calls for an independent valuation. Now both sides push for a joint, transparent study to settle the price, with the coalition eyeing the next board meeting to pause repairs in way. Public benefits. MSD plans to propose evaluation consultant soon,

2:01as talks continue on balancing power needs with river restoration across the region. D&N is sponsored by our partner. Solly Pillow is a pillow with built-in headphones, lay back, press play, and disappear into what you are listening to. S-O-L-I.