Tennessee Valley Authority
New Hope, Mississippi
Power Supply Upgrade
Update — September 2010
Following the receipt of public input, TVA has evaluated a network of seven different line segments. Five segments were presented at an open house on June 3 in Columbus, Mississippi. Through public input at the open house, two additional segments were added for evaluation.
Based on these evaluations, TVA has identified alternative route segments 2 and 4, as shown on the preferred route map below. The line would extend southeast from TVA’s existing Lowndes-Columbus 161-kV line to the proposed Lake Lowndes Substation, located on Mississippi Hwy. 69 near New Hope Road.
The same considerations — environmental, land-use, engineering, and cultural — were used to assess each alternative. The reviews were based on available data, aerial photography, onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owners’ input.
The preferred route is about 2.4-miles long. The route is expected to have the least overall impact of the alternatives. In keeping with TVA’s environmental stewardship, appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review will be conducted.
The line would be built on steel poles on a 100-foot right-of-way.
About 14 property owners and 16 property tracts would be affected.
The project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2012. See the complete project schedule at the bottom of this page.
Background — June 2010
TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in New Hope, Mississippi. The improvements will relieve overloaded equipment and provide reliable power to the growing load in the Lake Lowndes area.
The proposed project consists of about 2.5 to 3.5 miles of new transmission line to power 4-County EPA’s proposed Lake Lowndes 161-kilovolt substation. The line would extend southeast from TVA’s existing Lowndes-Columbus 161-kV line to the proposed Lake Lowndes Substation, located on Mississippi Hwy. 69 near New Hope Road.
Several alternative routes from a network of five alternative line segments and one tap point location will be presented at the open house.
The transmission lines would consist of steel pole structures on a 100-foot right-of-way.
The project is scheduled to be completed winter of 2012.
Public involvement
TVA’s process for siting new transmission projects is designed to allow 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 comment period will be used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.
TVA held an open house to discuss the proposed transmission line project. The open house was held on June 3, 2010 at the New Hope High School Gymnasium in Columbus, Mississippi. TVA representatives were available to provide information, answer questions and show the alternative transmission line routes on large maps. A 30-day comment period followed the open house. TVA asked for comments on the potential of the proposed action to affect the environment or historic properties and any other issues associated with the proposal. All comments received, including names and addresses, have become part of the administrative record and are available for public inspection.
Maps
The maps are PDF files requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Use the zoom tool to view details of the map and allow time for it to reload. If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA.
This map shows the preferred route TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line. Map (PDF, 429 kb)
This map shows the network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line. Map (PDF, 238 kb)
Environmental reviews
The appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review 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: June 3, 2010
Comments accepted: through July 2, 2010
Determine preferred route for field surveys: fall 2010
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: fall 2010
Surveys should begin: October 2010.
Complete field surveys and environmental reviews: October 2011
Begin acquisition of easements for right-of-way: summer 2011
Begin Construction – spring 2012
Line in-service – summer 2012
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)
Fact sheet on electric and magnetic fields and their effects.