Tennessee Valley Authority
Murray County, Georgia
Power Supply Upgrade
Update November 2005
TVA has evaluated alternative routes for the new transmission line using the same environmental, land-use, engineering, and cost considerations for each alternative. The reviews were based on available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owners’ input. Based on these evaluations, TVA has identified the eastern-most alternative as the preferred route (see map). Compared with the other alternatives, this route is one of the shortest feasible options studied and has the least overall project impacts. The line would be on steel poles on 100-foot right-of-way. The new facility is projected to be in service by summer 2007. TVA is in the process of contacting property owners along the preferred transmission line route.
Background
In order to maintain reliability while meeting the growing power demand in the area, TVA is proposing to build a new transmission line in Murray County to serve North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation’s new substation.
Due to the demand for residential development in the northeastern portion of North Georgia EMC’s service area, new subdivisions are under construction and the load is growing. The area is currently being served from existing facilities that are nearing overload.
North Georgia EMC plans to build a new substation in the Gregorys Mill community. TVA is planning to tap the Alpha-Loughridge 115-kV line west of Eton and build a new line approximately seven miles north to a site on the west side of Highway 225. The map shows the area under consideration for the new line and TVA’s preferred route. TVA presented information on 16 alternative line segments at an open house on July 28, 2005. Handout from Open House (PDF, 174 kb)
By continuing to provide affordable, reliable power, TVA and North Georgia EMC will help ensure continued economic health and residential and commercial growth in the area.
Public involvement
TVA’s process for siting new transmission projects is designed to afford public input at all stages. TVA is committed to working with area stakeholders to address concerns during the course of the project. Comments received during the 30-day comment period were used in reaching a decision on the preferred route.
Map
The map is a PDF file requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Please use the zoom tool to view details of the section maps and allow time for them to reload. If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA (see contact information).
The map shows the area under consideration and a network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map (PDF, 553 kb)
Environmental Reviews
Appropriate National Environmental Policy Act reviews will be conducted to ensure that the environmental impacts are minimized.
TVA attempts to minimize any land requirements, private property impacts, and environmental impacts associated with this project.
Project schedule
Open house: July 28, 2005
Comments accepted: Through August 29, 2005
Determine preferred route for field surveys: September 2005
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: Fall 2005
Begin field surveys and environmental reviews: Winter 2005-06
Complete environmental review: Summer 2006
Begin right-of-way acquisitions: Fall 2006
Begin construction: Spring 2007
Line in service: Summer 2007
Related information
Frequently asked questions about TVA right-of-way
Benefits of planting native shrubs and grasses in utility rights-of-way.
- Landscaping with native shrubs (PDF file, 879 kb)
- Landscaping with native grasses (PDF file, 644 kb)