TVA Asks for Comments on Proposed Transmission Improvements

February 15, 2007

COLUMBUS, Miss. – To maintain reliable electric service and meet growing power demand, TVA will make improvements to its transmission system in Lowndes County and is asking for public input on the improvements, beginning with an open house Thursday, Feb. 22.

Improvements include a new 161-kilovolt switching station and four to five miles of new transmission lines. The proposed switching station would require about six acres of land. Three alternative sites are located in the vicinity of the U.S. Hwy. 82 and 45 interchange, near TVA’s existing West Point-Columbus transmission lines.

Two proposed transmission lines would use single steel pole structures centered on a new 100-foot right-of-way. A one-mile section of the line would connect the switching station to an industrial area located to the west. A three-to-four-mile section would connect the switching station to the existing Columbus Air Force Base transmission line, located north of the switching station.

TVA will present project alternatives at an open house to be held from 3 -7 p.m. CST Feb. 22 at the Trotter Convention Center, 402 Second Ave. (lower entrance), in Columbus.

Detailed maps showing alternative switching station sites and transmission line routes will be available, and TVA staff will be on hand to answer questions, discuss potential concerns and receive comments on the proposals. A map is available at www.tva.gov/power/projects.

For additional information or to submit comments, contact Chris Austin, TVA, 1101 Market St. (MR 4G), Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801, call toll free 800-362-4355, e-mail newtransline@tva.com or visit TVA’s website. The deadline for comments is March 30, 2006.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.7 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

Media Contact

Myra Ireland, (423) 751-7153
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000

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