For several years, inhabitants of western Kentucky and army engineers had urged the construction of a dam on the Tennessee River for flood control, navigation, and power development. A building permit was given to a private company, Southern Utilities and Industries, Inc., in 1931. The local citizens who supported the project formed Aurora Dam Clubs in their towns. (Originally, Kentucky Dam was proposed for a site near Aurora, Kentucky; this location was later deemed unsuitable, and the dam was constructed near Gilbertsville, Kentucky.) The clubs were the forerunner of another dam support group, the Lower Tennessee Valley Association (LTVA). After its creation in 1933, the Tennessee Valley Authority eventually took over the plans from the private interests. Construction began in 1938, and the dam was dedicated in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman.
From the description of Tennessee Valley Authority Scrapbook, 1933-1966. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 191916671
