Connecting the TVA Region Through Energy, Environment and Economic Development (continued)

In fiscal year 2003, Widows Creek Fossil Plant in Stevenson, Ala., generated more than 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity — more than any other year in its history. TVA’s coal-fired system generated 91 billion kilowatt-hours, the 11th straight year above 90 billion kilowatt-hours.

The power needs of the TVA region continue to grow and change. The fiscal year 2002 decision to restart Browns Ferry Nuclear Unit 1 is an example of how TVA is growing and changing to meet this new demand. Sixteen months into the 60-month project, the effort is going according to plan, with good prospects for continuing that trend, in line with the anticipated 2007 completion date. This means citizens of the region are expected to begin reaping the benefits of an additional 1,280 megawatts of economically produced and reliably delivered electricity in fiscal year 2007.

Aided by heavy rainfall through much of the year, TVA hydro generated more than 16 billion kilowatt-hours–an increase of approximately 58 percent over fiscal year 2002.

TVA’s stewardship program recently earned the highest program rating from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Only 6 percent of federal programs received this recognition.

For southwestern Virginia residents and businesses, evidence of TVA’s environmental stewardship is easily found. For years, the Guest River portion of the Clinch watershed had suffered sedimentation and bacterial contamination from sources such as mining, agriculture, timber harvesting, and inadequate waste treatment. With the help of local communities and some 20 organizations, TVA has received national recognition for guiding restoration funding and efforts to repair the damage. This year, the state of Virginia revised its assessment of conditions from non-support of its intended uses–fishing, drinking, swimming, aquatic habitat–to partial support of its intended uses.

Breaking ground for the 100,000-square-foot American Eurocopter plant in Columbus, Miss., on August 7, 2003, had special significance for TVA. Working with the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, the Greater Starkville Economic Partnership, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and Congressional, state, and local officials, TVA was instrumental in convincing the subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company that northeast Mississippi was its ideal location. The plant, which will assemble and customize helicopters, is projected to have an initial workforce of 100, an annual payroll of $5 million, and an estimated annual economic impact of $17 million.