The Pigeon River Fund supports activities that improve water quality, increase citizens' awareness about their roles in protecting these resources, enhance fish and wildlife habitats and expand public access. It was established as part of a license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to CP&L on Nov. 4, 1994 for the Walters Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Pigeon River in Haywood County. The fund was established with a $1 million contribution from CP&L and is supplemented with annual $100,000 installments.
"This unique public-private partnership between CP&L and the state of North Carolina has provided essential resources to protect and restore western North Carolina waterways," DENR Secretary Wayne McDevitt, a Madison County native, said after receiving the CP&L contribution. "The fund continues to support a variety of projects that will have a long-term benefit for the French Broad and Pigeon River basins."
"Rivers are a treasured resource that must be protected," said Ben White, manager of environmental services for CP&L who presented a check for $100,000 to McDevitt. "CP&L is proud to be a contributor to this partnership for the overall improvement of the environment."
The fund is a public/private partnership governed by a Board of Directors, appointed by the DENR Secretary.