Toledo Bend Reservoir
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Toledo Bend Reservoir is a large artificial lake on the Sabine River between Texas and Louisiana. Construction on the Toledo Bend Dam began on May 11, 1964, and water impoundment began on October 3, 1966. The lake has an area of 185,000 acres (749 km²), and the dam is capable of generating 92 megawatts of electrical power.
The reservoir is a popular location for freshwater fishing.
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[edit] Historical development
The land along the Orange area often flooded from the Sabine, with destructive effects. Also, the considerations for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational purposes were part of the reasons the Texas State Legislature formed the Sabine River Authority of Texas in 1949, and in 1950 the Louisiana State Legislature created the Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana for the project.[1] With both authorities in agreement, in 1955 a feasibility report was initiated and by 1959, the two states allocated 30 million dollars for the project. The land was acquired in 1963, with the work following the subsequent year. The Massman-Johnson Construction Company served as the general contractor, and by the project’s completion in 1969, Texas’ estimated share of the funds was 70 million.[2]
[edit] Trivia
- The project to build the dam was done by the two states, without any assistance from the federal government.[3]
- This reservoir is the largest man-made body of water in Texas and the South and the fifth largest in surface acres in the United States.[4]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Fun365Days.com -- regional tourism web site
- Partnership of Southeast Texas -- regional economic development site
- Toledo-Bend.Com -- Comprehensive info on Toledo Bend Lake and surrounding areas of Texas and Louisiana
- USGS Entry for Toledo
- Sam Forse Collins Recreation Area, maintained by the Sabine River Authority of Texas
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