William H. Latham (November 9, 1903 – January 15, 1987) was a senior engineer with the New York Power Authority.[1][2]

After growing up in Norwich, Connecticut, he graduated from MIT with a degree in civil engineering in 1926.[1]

Beginning in 1927, he was professionally associated with Robert Moses, the "master builder" of New York City and Long Island.[1]

Prior to being responsible for the Niagara Project Latham had been in charge of the Power Authorities first hydroelectric project on the St Lawrence River.[1][3] In 1956, when he was appointed to direct the construction of the Power Authority's Niagara Project, it was the largest project of its kind in the world.

New York Power Authority's primary icebreaker, the William H. Latham, is named after him.[4][5]

He was described as "an athlete and outdoorsman ... a tall, rangy man with huge shoulders and an easy, friendly grin."[6]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "William Latham, 83; Guided Niagara Project". New York Times. 1987-01-19. Archived from the original on 2012-11-10. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  2. ^ "Power Unit Says New Site Will Cut Road" (PDF). Auburn Citizen. 1958-11-25. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  3. ^ John O'Reilly (1956-09-10). "The St. Lawrence Gets A Face Lifting To Help Trade And Industry, But Sportsmen And Wildlife Will Also Profit From Power". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 2009-02-17. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  4. ^ Dan Miner (2008-02-14). "POWER AUTHORITY: Storm puts NYPA on ice". Niagara Gazette. Archived from the original on 2011-08-13. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  5. ^ "Niagara Power Project". New York Power Authority. Archived from the original on 2009-03-13. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
  6. ^ Caro, Robert, The Power Broker, Vintage Books (Random House), New York, NY, 1974, p. 227.