CROSSVILLE– A TVA Crossville transmission proposal could bring 6 to 8 miles of new power line and a 100-foot-wide easement to DeKalb County. Residents can examine the plans and speak with project staff Thursday, October 22, in Boaz.

The Tennessee Valley Authority will hold the open house from 1 to 7 p.m. Central at Boaz Parks and Recreation, 400 Elizabeth Street. There will be no formal presentation; instead, visitors can ask individual questions and discuss concerns with TVA representatives.

TVA announced the meeting October 5. However, Thursday is not the final opportunity to participate: the virtual open house and public comment period run October 22 through December 3.

Where the Line Would Go

The proposed line would supply a new Cherokee Electric Cooperative substation at the northeast corner of Alabama Highway 227 and DeKalb County Roads 8/26 in Crossville.

The 161-kilovolt line would connect to TVA’s Albertville–Collinsville line between the Geraldine and Kilpatrick substations, then extend generally south.

However, TVA has not settled on a route. It is evaluating approximately 70 alternatives built from 46 possible line segments.

The structures would primarily be single poles. In hilly areas, however, TVA may use two-pole, H-frame structures.

Why Property Owners Should Look at the Maps

The proposal calls for a new 100-foot-wide transmission right-of-way easement. For nearby landowners, the alternatives map offers a starting point for questions about potential property impacts.

TVA’s official aerial map identifies alternative segments, potential connection points, the proposed substation, and parcel boundaries. However, the alternatives do not represent a selected construction route.

TVA’s general right-of-way guidance explains that easement terms govern what landowners can do within a transmission corridor. For example, compatible uses can include pasture, crops, lawns, and gardens.

However, driveways, parking areas, and other improvements may require TVA review and approval. The agency also says most easement documents prohibit buildings or other structures within the right of way.

These are general guidelines; a particular property’s easement document controls. Therefore, owners should raise questions about existing uses and future plans directly with TVA.

Why TVA Says the Project Is Needed

According to TVA, growth near Crossville since 2020 has increased pressure on the Sand Rock and Whitesboro electrical supplies.

The Sand Rock source has regularly exceeded 95% of firm capacity during winter since 2022. In addition, aging copper conductor and difficult terrain complicate maintenance.

Meanwhile, TVA reports 219 minutes of outages over five years on the aging Whitesboro source, with no available backfeed for restoration.

Construction Would Come Later

TVA’s preliminary schedule places preferred-route selection in spring 2027, surveys in spring 2028, and easement purchases in spring 2029. Construction would begin in spring 2030, with service expected that fall.

However, those dates may change. TVA also plans an environmental review.

How to Participate

Residents can attend Thursday’s open house or visit the online session during the comment period. TVA welcomes concerns about environmental effects, historic properties, and other project issues.

Comments, including submitted names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record. For more information or help understanding the maps, contact project representative Kevin Casler at 800-362-4355.

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