TVA drafts public comments on proposed power line

By NELLANN METTEE Staff Writer
FRANKLIN — The Tennessee Valley Authority says a would-be power line is the best way to meet growing electricity needs.
Not sure you agree?
TVA will have a meeting tonight from 7-9 at Franklin High School to gather written public comments on the draft environmental assessment, which includes everything from the need for the line to information about affected areas.
The agency will accept public comments on the document through March 14. Folks can find the assessment, and an address to send in comments, on TVA's Web site.
The proposed 161,000-volt line will connect Aspen Grove to a proposed Bingham community substation and will string across west Franklin residential areas, including the new Westhaven development.
Environmentalists, developers and historic preservationists alike have raised concerns about the route. But TVA officials have said the route is the only option that can meet the date that power will be needed in that area.
"You have a clear case for a need," said TVA spokesman Gil Francis. "If the community were not growing ... you would not need a line."
Earlier this week, a unique group that includes both developers and environmentalists shared its concerns with city leaders who also opposed the proposed route.
"We firmly believe that there are (other) options," said Stephen Smith, executive director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. "We think they're not being serious to try to work with us."
TVA officials, on the other hand, stress that they have not made a final decision yet. Francis says the line is a preferred route but that TVA is currently still in the process of gathering public input.