From the Raleigh paper:
Alcoa, which has operated a hydroelectric project on the Yadkin River for nearly a century, is seeking renewal of its federal license. Stanly County is fighting the relicensing.
...Alcoa had used the electricity to run an aluminum smelter in Badin, a plant that is now closed. The company sells the electricity it produces.
[Gov.] Perdue and some legislators want the state to take over the dams, arguing the revenue could be used for environmental cleanup and job creation.
Federal law allows licenses to be "recaptured" by federal authorities, but it has never been done. Congress would have to approve the state taking control of the dams.
My guess is that Alcoa gets their permit even though it seems that they have seriously fouled Badin Lake.
