The Tennessee Valley Authority is considering building a major new energy facility in Jackson County, Alabama—one that could generate up to 1,600 megawatts of power.
TVA says the proposed pumped storage facility would be located near Pisgah and Flat Rock, on the western edge of Sand Mountain. It would operate much like Raccoon Mountain near Chattanooga, using a mountaintop reservoir connected to the Tennessee River to generate electricity.
TVA officials say the Pisgah site is currently their top choice, though they are also evaluating other options, including an expansion at Raccoon Mountain and another possible location near Stevenson, further north in Jackson County.
The project could represent a $2 to $4 billion investment, according to project manager Scottie Barentine, and could create 1,000 construction jobs and around 60 permanent positions once operational.
TVA will host a public meeting at Pisgah High School next Thursday, June 12th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Central Time. Public comments are also being accepted online through July 14th.
For more information, visit TVA’s official website.