Q & A at GRDA

What can you tell us about the Duck Creek Waterfowl Refuge and Educational Complex GRDA is constructing?

On a 55 acre site near the back of Duck Creek, GRDA is constructing the project which will not only be a refuge for migratory waterfowl throughout the fall and winter but will also provide GRDA with an opportunity to educate are students about the waterfowl and wetlands in the Grand Lake area.

When completed, the refuge will consist of six different wetland units (similar to ponds) at varying elevations to accommodate the waterfowl. Throughout the complex there will also be several observational areas and at least two gazebo-type education platforms to enhance public viewing opportunities.

Several educational aspects will be incorporated into the complex and GRDA’s goal is to showcase each wetland area with detailed descriptions of all that can be observed. That list includes plants, soils, macro invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and of course, fish and fowl. A completion date for the project has not been determined yet.

We see GRDA signs on large electric poles in the area. How big is GRDA’s electric system?

GRDA maintains approximately 2,000 miles of electric transmission lines and 200 electric substations across its service area, which includes 24 counties in Northeast Oklahoma. Several crews, headquartered at the GRDA Transmission and Engineering Department near Pryor are responsible for maintaining the electric systems. GRDA has electric line crews, substation maintenance crews, electric metering crews, carpentry/construction crews, right-of-way maintenance, drafting and engineering and other personnel involved in the efforts of keeping the electricity flowing across Oklahoma. Providing low-cost, reliable electricity to customers is a top GRDA priority and hundreds of employees are involved in that work each and every day.

We read that GRDA has a new license to operate Robert S. Kerr Dam. What does that mean?

Last month, GRDA received a new, 30-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to operate the Markham Ferry Project, which includes Robert S. Kerr Dam (near Locust Grove) and Lake Hudson. The original license, issued in 1955, expired in May 2005, and GRDA had been operating the facility under an annual license until this new license was issued.

Before acquiring the new license GRDA addressed many subjects, including bald eagle protection, threatened and endangered species management, water quality, identification and management of historic property and a recreation management plan. GRDA performed similar work in the early 1990s before receiving a new license for Pensacola Dam in 1994.

Can the public review the actions taken at GRDA Board of Directors meetings?

GRDA Board of Director meetings are held monthly, usually on the second Wednesday of the month, at GRDA’s Vinita Headquarters. Unlike investor-owned electric utilities that can conduct closed meetings, GRDA is a state agency and public power utility and its board meetings are open the public. The public can also review board agendas and board meeting minutes at GRDA’s website, grda.com. Just click on the “GRDA Leadership” tab under the “About GRDA” drop down menu.

We spend a lot of time on Grand Lake, but what can you tell us about GRDA’s Lake Hudson?

Lake Hudson was created in 1964 when GRDA completed construction of the Robert S. Kerr Dam. The 12,000-surface acre, 200-mile shoreline lake is named for the late Wash Hudson, a former member of the GRDA Board of Directors.

Hudson is situated in a natural river valley, resting at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Its location provides for breathtaking scenery comprised of majestic bluffs, rolling hills and quiet, secluded coves.

Hudson has an average elevation of 619 feet above sea level. Like Grand, it is known as one of the top lakes in the state for bass fishing and is also a haven for wildlife and migratory waterfowl in the fall and winter months.

How is GRDA’s W.R. Holway Reservoir different from Grand and Hudson Lakes?

GRDA’s W.R. Holway Reservoir --- named in honor of longtime GRDA Consulting Engineer W.R. Holway --- was carved into the hills southeast of Salina. It was created in 1968 when GRDA completed construction of the Salina Pumped Storage Project and rests on a bed of rocks, making the waters of the reservoir clear and pristine. The reservoir stores the waters of Lake Hudson, which are pumped into it by the six hydroelectric pump turbines inside the Salina Pumped Storage Project’s powerhouse. Then, at times of high electricity demand, the waters are released through the turbines, creating power.

A 200-foot tall earth and rock dam, built across the Chimney Rock Valley, impounds the waters of the reservoir, which is home to some of the best fishing in the area. However, if you plan to visit please remember that GRDA regulations prohibit internal combustion engines, ensuring a relaxing fishing experience. Swimming is also prohibited on W.R. Holway Reservoir.