“S” is for South Carolina Public Service Authority

“S” is for South Carolina Public Service Authority. The South Carolina Public Service Authority (better known as Santee Cooper) was established by the General Assembly in 1934 with the power to provide for navigation and flood control on the Santee, Congaree, and Cooper Rivers; to generate electricity; to reclaim swampland; and to reforest the state’s watersheds. The federal government approved the project in 1935, but construction did not begin until 1939. Within two years the massive project of dams, canals, and lakes was completed and Santee Cooper was generating electricity.  By 2001 Santee Cooper generated power had reached all forty-six South Carolina counties. Some unexpected benefits of the project were the numerous recreational opportunities created by Lakes Marion and Moultrie. A board of eleven members appointed by the governor administers the South Carolina Public Service Authority.