Press Releases
TVA Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to Historic Properties Review Process
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking for public input on a proposal to make more efficient its review process for historic properties that could be affected by TVA actions.
TVA is proposing to use a programmatic agreement among various state and federal agencies, including federally recognized tribes, to eliminate repetition in its Section 106 review process. Section 106 is part of the National Historic Preservation Act, which requires TVA, as a federal agency, to consider the effects of its actions on historic properties.
The agreement would make the review process more efficient for certain categories of activities. It would identify those activities to exclude from further Section 106 review because they would have little or no effect on historic properties, along with activities that are small and repetitive in nature that would instead undergo an internal review. Those latter activities include building maintenance and rehabilitation, mainly on structures less than 50 years old; operation and maintenance of transmission lines, substations and switchyards; and repair and maintenance activities including fencing, road maintenance, exterior lighting and others.
TVA is consulting with the seven state historic preservation officers within our service area, 18 federally recognized tribes and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in the development of the programmatic agreement.
The draft programmatic agreement is available for review and public comment through Jan. 17, 2019, at www.tva.com/nepa.
Comments will be accepted through Jan. 17 on our website at www.tva.com/nepa or in writing by mail to Travis Hill Henry, Tennessee Valley Authority, 400 West Summit Hill Drive, WT 11D, Knoxville, TN, 37902.
All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the public record.
For more information about TVA and its 85-year mission of service to the Tennessee Valley, click here.