The John H. Kerr Dam currently produces over 426 GWh of electricity annually and has prevented over $385 million in flood damage since completion.

The dam is named after John H. Kerr, a Congressman from North Carolina who was instrumental in authorizing the construction.

[1] Construction of the John H. Kerr dam was authorized by the 78th United States Congress in 1944 with the Flood Control Act of 1944 but did not commence until 1947.

A grouting tunnel or gallery was built in order to fill gaps between the dam and foundation with concrete.

[1] The hydro-power plant within the John H. Kerr Dam contains 7 vertical Francis units capable of producing 227 MW.