GALLATIN, Tenn. - A new aquatic center and hatchery is under construction along the Cumberland River as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority's plan to upgrade its coal-fired plant in Gallatin.

The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/1k2LlPR) reports the federal utility is spending nearly $1.5 million to construct the new Cumberland River Aquatic Center. It will replace an older facility that was removed as part of a $1 billion clean-air project.

The 688-mile-long river runs through southern Kentucky and north-central Tennessee.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will operate the facility and the TVA will provide services, including supplying enough river water to care for all the species housed there.

"This project demonstrates TVA's commitment to environmental stewardship," Brenda Brickhouse, TVA vice president for environment, said. "Not only are we reducing our emissions at the fossil plant, but the new hatchery will provide for the protection and growth of endangered freshwater aquatic species."

Other partners in the project include: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Tennessee Nature Conservancy.

Construction is expected to be finished later this year.