Carolina Journal News Reports
CJ Series

Alcoa/Yadkin River Trust

The Easley and Perdue administrations want the state to seize four hydroelectric dams in central North Carolina that have been owned and operated by Alcoa Power Generating Inc. since 1917. Alcoa had a federal license to operate the dams from 1958-2008, and the state wants Washington to deny renewal.

(9.22.11) Perdue Flips on Dam Takeover?
RALEIGH — Perdue’s apparent reversal would end a four-year battle over control of Alcoa's dams, the water flowing through them, and the hydroelectric power they generate. Backing the Clean Tech project also is consistent with Perdue’s efforts to make job creation and business recruitment a top priority in North Carolina.

(6.01.11) Perdue Snubs Alcoa Jobs Announcement
BADIN — Gov. Bev Perdue and Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco were invited to, but did not attend, a ceremony announcing a $10 million investment in as many as 200 “green” jobs at the location of Alcoa’s former aluminum smelter.

(5.23.11) Three Bills Target Alcoa Operation in Stanly County
RALEIGH — Only one of the three bills has Alcoa’s name on it, but the other two may as well, as they appear to be targeted at the company, said Alcoa spokesman Mike Bellwood.

(1.20.11) Uwharrie Commission Stacked with Alcoa Adversaries
RALEIGH — A majority of the commission members have gone on the record backing Gov. Bev Perdue’s request for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to deny Alcoa’s license to continue operating four hydroelectric dams, enabling the state to take over the project and gain control of thousands of acres of adjacent property.

(9.16.10) To Serve the Public, Go Private
The case for privatizing public broadcasting in North Carolina just got a bit stronger.

(9.14.10) Ethics Loophole Muddies Water Fight
RALEIGH — Ethics watchdogs say UNC-TV’s conflicting roles as both a journalistic enterprise and an arm of state government led to an ethical muddle for lawyer/lobbyist Bruce Thompson. One of his lobbying clients is Stanly County, which spearheaded efforts by the state to take over Alcoa property via legislation, but he also was a member of UNC-TV’s board, which oversees the network’s programming and fundraising.

(8.04.10) UNC-TV Quashes Report Chastising Alcoa News Coverage
RALEIGH — A panel from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication has criticized harshly UNC-TV for a “breakdown in the editorial process” that led to “an unbalanced and slanted view” in a series of stories on Alcoa and the state’s efforts to take over four of the company’s hydroelectric dams.

(7.07.10) A Freedom Test They Failed
If you thought that the prospect of the legislature issuing commands to a supposedly independent news organization would provoke widespread outrage, you were wrong.

(7.02.10) Alcoa Dispute Has UNC-TV At Dual Purposes
RALEIGH — The state’s efforts to take over Alcoa’s hydroelectric dams in central North Carolina precipitated the showdown, with Sen. Fletcher Hartsell, R-Cabarrus, on Thursday ordering UNC-TV General Manager Tom Howe and legislative reporter Eszter Vajda to provide a copy of “all footage (including all interviews, B-roll and camera masters) in your possession regarding the Alcoa Corporation’s activities in Stanly County.”

(6.29.10) At Raleigh Event, Brockovich Vague On Alcoa Dam Controversy
RALEIGH — The event was hosted by Mayor Charles Meeker, whose law firm Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP represents Stanly County; and City Councillor Nancy McFarlane, who formerly headed the North Carolina Water Rights Committee, a nonprofit group that has been lobbying the General Assembly to pass legislation allowing the state to seize Alcoa’s dams and set up an independent Yadkin River Trust to operate them.

(11.20.09) Friday Interview: Alcoa Dam Controversy
RALEIGH — Property rights advocates are on alert over efforts by lawmakers to pass legislation that would give the state control over Alcoa’s Yadkin river dams and hydroelectric facilities. The effort failed in the General Assembly this summer, but the state’s push to gain control will continue, according to the governor’s office. Rick Henderson, managing editor of Carolina Journal, discussed the controversy with Donna Martinez for Carolina Journal Radio.

(9.08.09) State Continues Effort to Take Dams from Alcoa
RALEIGH — Gov. Beverly Perdue supports the creation of a new state agency to manage Alcoa’s hydroelectric facilities.

(6.01.09) Mystery Group Behind Dam Takeover Bid
RALEIGH — A driving force behind the state’s effort to take over a central North Carolina hydroelectric project owned by Alcoa Power Generating Inc. is a mysterious group called the North Carolina Water Rights Committee. The panel is headed by Raleigh City Council member Nancy McFarlane. She has refused several Carolina Journal requests to be interviewed about her organization.