TVA and TWRA partner to restore fish habitat after Helene

The Tennessee Valley Authority announced that it has partnered with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to restore fish habitat on Watauga Lake after Hurricane Helene. Using TVA funds, TWRA will install at least 75 large habitat structures, restoring critical fish habitat, supporting ecological recovery and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the fisheries resources. State data shows that tourism had a $53 million impact in Carter County in 2024.