Toledo Bend Reservoir

Infobox lake
lake_name = Toledo Bend Reservoir
image_lake = Toledo-bend.jpg
image_size=300px
caption_lake = Toledo Bend Dam
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Texas, Louisiana
coords = coord|31.1965|N|93.5721|W|region:US-LA_type:waterbody_source:gnis|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow = Sabine River
outflow = Sabine River
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
length =
width =
area = convert|185000|acre|abbr=on
depth =
max-depth =
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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), the largest man-made body of water in (or partially in) Texas, the largest in the South, and the fifth largest in the United States. [ [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=33 North Toledo Bend ] ] The dam is capable of generating 92 megawatts of electrical power.

The reservoir is a popular location for freshwater fishing.

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. [ [http://www.sra.dst.tx.us/projects/tbp.asp Toledo Bend Project ] ]

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 completion of the project in 1969, Texas’ estimated share of the funds was $70 million. [Handbook of Texas|id=TT/rot4|name=Toledo Bend Reservoir] The dam was built by the two states, without any assistance from the federal government. [ [http://www.texasescapes.com/AllThingsHistorical/Toledo-Bend-Reservoir-104AM.htm Toledo Bend Reservoir in East Texas ] ]

Louisiana Director of Public Works Claude Kirkpatrick, who was also president of the Sabine River Authority of Louisiana at the time, pushed for the joint agreement with Texas, in the absence of federal funds, to make the project a reality.

References

External links

* [http://www.toledobend.com/ ToledoBend.Com -- Complete source of information on Toledo Bend Lake]

* [http://www.toledo-bend.com/ Toledo-Bend.Com -- Comprehensive info on Toledo Bend Lake and surrounding areas of Texas and Louisiana]

*Gnis|558729|Toledo Bend Reservoir
* [http://www.sra.dst.tx.us/basin/recreation.asp?page=site&ID=10 Sam Forse Collins Recreation Area, maintained by the Sabine River Authority of Texas]