TVA Donates $50,000 to Covington Schools Tornado Recovery Effort

MEMPHIS, Tenn.¬¬ – The Tennessee Valley Authority is providing $50,000 for supplies and equipment at Covington schools – Crestview Elementary School and Crestview Middle School – that were destroyed by tornadoes that swept through the area this spring. TVA is proud to work with Ford Motor Company, who is providing the temporary buildings for students. 

“The devastating storms that swept through West Tennessee hit our communities hard, but we have seen Tennessee’s volunteer spirit in full display,” Mark Yates, TVA Vice President for the West Region, said. “Working together, we will help rebuild and restore these areas and ensure they have the resources they need. Education is the foundation of our communities, so I can think of no better place to make this investment.” 

Yates noted his appreciation to Ford for leading this effort and noted he was especially grateful that nobody was inside the schools when the storm came through. 

Tipton County Schools officials voiced their appreciation to help students get back in the classroom.

“We are so thankful to TVA for stepping in to provide support to our displaced students.  Yet another reason I’m grateful to be a part of such a caring community and state,” Dr. John Combs, Superintendent for Tipton County Schools, said. 

Ford Motor Company, who is building the BlueOval City project nearby in Stanton, Tennessee, is partnering with their contractor Walbridge Construction to provide the temporary buildings for the students. The Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, and Walbridge have provided $500,000 for this project.  TVA’s funds will go toward furniture and supplies for those buildings.

“After the recent tornado devastated Covington, Ford, Ford Fund and our construction partners jumped to action to ensure the bright minds of Crestview Elementary and Middle School could finish their school year,” Marianne Dunavant, BlueOval City Government Affairs Manager and Covington resident, said. “We are here to help our community in this time of need and lend a hand as a good neighbor should.” 

TVA worked directly with its local power company partner, Covington Electric System, immediately following the storm to restore power, and the TVA team will continue to work with Covington Electric System, Ford and others to help these West Tennessee communities as they rebuild and recover. 

“The storms that hit our city on March 31st were devastating.  TVA’s contribution will help our schools get back to some normality and is greatly appreciated,” Tim Sallee, manager of Covington Electric System, said. “This is another example of the kindness we have seen from many of our neighbors across West Tennessee.  TVA has been a valued partner working behind the scenes before the tornado struck and throughout the recovery efforts to ensure power reliability across the region.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.  

TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at Energy System of the Future.