Summersville Dam was authorized by Section 4 of Flood Control Act of 1938. The primary project purposes are flood risk management, fish and wildlife enhancement, water quality, recreation, and low flow augmentation. The dam was completed in 1966 and serves a drainage area of 803 square miles. The dam is on the Gauley River near the town of Summersville in Nicholas County, WV, and controls a drainage area of 803 square miles.