MADISON, N.C. -- Madison officials don't want people to think of the Dan River Dam as a "drowning machine." Instead, they're taking steps to make it a recreational draw for the area.

• Mayor David Myers says while two people have drowned near the dam in the last seven years, the section of the river will soon look very different
• Next year the dam will be changed into six weirs, or gradual shelves, so kayakers and tubers can ride through the area
• The $8 million project is covered by grants, and Myers expects it to be done by next September

Mayor David Myers says while two people have drowned near the dam in the last seven years, the section of the river will soon look very different.

Next year the dam will be changed into six weirs, or gradual shelves, so kayakers and tubers can ride through the area. There will also be pools between the weirs.

"This right here will help with the environment as well as the erosion problems that are over there, and provide recreational avenues for everyone around here to include anyone that wants to come into Rockingham county," Myers said.

The $8 million dollar project is covered by grants, and Myers expects it to be done by next September.

Projects like this have had a big impact on counties across the country.

"The one up in Pennsylvania, much smaller than this right in here, brought in a quarter of a million people visiting annually and over $30 million in economic value."