Tennessee Valley Authority
Lowndes County, Mississippi
Power Supply Upgrade
Background
TVA is planning improvements to the transmission system in Lowndes County. The Golden Triangle area is experiencing significant industrial growth and transmission system upgrades are needed to ensure a reliable power supply to the area.
Improvements include a new switching station and four-to-five miles of new transmission line.
The proposed 161-kilovolt West Columbus Switching Station would be located in the vicinity of the U.S. Hwy. 82 and 45 interchange, near TVA’s existing West Point-Columbus transmission lines.
TVA has identified three alternative locations for the switching station, which would require about six acres of land.
Two 161-kilovolt transmission lines are needed to connect the new switching station to the grid. A one-mile line would connect the switching station to the industrial area west of the substation. A three-to-four mile line would connect to the existing Columbus Air Force Base transmission line, located north of the new switching station.
The transmission lines would consist of single steel pole structures centered on a new 100-foot right-of-way.
The new facilities are expected to be in service by fall of 2008.
By continuing to provide reliable, affordable power, TVA and 4-County EPA will help ensure continued economic health and growth in the area.
Public involvement
TVA will hold an open house to provide information, answer questions, and take comments about the proposed transmission line project.
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.
Time and place for the open house:
Thursday, February 22, 2007
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST
Trotter Convention Center
402 2nd Avenue (lower entrance),
Columbus, MS 39701
TVA representatives will be available at the open house to provide information and answer questions. Large maps showing the alternative substation sites and transmission line routes will be available.
TVA is interested in receiving comments on how this project may affect the environment or historic properties and on any other issues associated with this proposal. Comments will be used in reaching a decision on the location of the preferred route for the line. Any comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and will be available for public inspection.
If you have special needs, please contact Tanya Adams at least five days prior to the meeting toll-free at 800-362-4355.
If you cannot attend the meeting but have questions or comments, contact Chris Austin. All written comments on this proposed action should be sent to TVA no later than March 30, 2007.
Map
The map is a PDF file 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.
Map (PDF, 408 kb)
This map shows the preferred route. This route has been modified from what was shown at the open house to further minimize the impacts on land use by using existing right-of-way (see original map).
Environmental reviews
The 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: February 22, 2007
Comments accepted: through March 30, 2007
Determine preferred route for field surveys: spring 2007
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: summer 2007
Begin field surveys and environmental reviews: fall 2007
Begin right-of-way acquisitions: winter 2007-08
Begin construction: spring 2008
Projects in service: fall 2008
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.