Portuguese officials have announced completion of a major dam project that is expected to create Europe's largest man-made lake and revive the economy of one of the European Union's poorest regions.

Portuguese Prime Minister Friday officially closed the floodgates at the $1.7 billion Alqueva Dam across the Guadiana River, about 150 kilometers from Lisbon.

Over the next four years, the dam will fill a reservoir about 80 kilometers long. The project also will generate hydroelectric power and provide much-needed irrigation and drinking water in the arid Alentejo region.

Conservationists who oppose the dam say it will damage the environment and destroy historic artifacts.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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