SANTEE COOPER PROJECT
Introduction About Harry T. Poe Jr. Santee-Cooper Project Poe Family Papers Technical Information
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SANTEE COOPER PROJECT
The Santee-Cooper Power and Navigation Project--also known as the Santee-Cooper Navigation and Hydro-Electric Project--improved navigation on and provided hydro-electric power from the Santee and Cooper rivers in South Carolina. The Project also improved the health and economic fortunes of the surrounding area and, with the creation of Lakes Marion and Moultrie, enhanced the recreational possibilities of the state�s residents.
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Santee Cooper Project Map |
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Santee Cooper Project General Map |
The South Carolina legislature authorized the Project in 1934 with the creation of the South Carolina Public Service Authority. The federal government approved the Project in 1935. However, construction did not begin until 1939 because of a lawsuit against the Project by a number of private power companies; the U.S. Supreme Court decided in Santee Cooper�s favor in 1938. Construction of the Pinopolis (East and West) and Santee dams was completed in 1941 and power generation began in 1942. In 1949, after another court battle, Santee Cooper entered into an agreement with the Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. to provide power to the Cooperative, which would build the transmission lines necessary. Santee Cooper obtained ownership of these lines in 1985. Fossil fuel generating stations were constructed in 1951, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1977 and 1981 and a nuclear plant, in cooperation with South Carolina Electric & Gas, opened in 1984.
For a more detailed historical look at the Project, visit the "Your Santee Cooper History" page of the Santee Cooper� Power site at http://www.santeecooper.com/your_sc/history.html.
Introduction About Harry T. Poe Jr. Santee-Cooper Project Poe Family Papers Technical Information
Scrapbook Ordering Information Special Collections Home Site Map