Construction started in 1974 on the TVA Bellefonte site in Hollywood, Ala., nuclear site before being halted several times.
FILE – In this May 8, 2015 file photo, gas station attendant Carlos Macar pumps gas in Andover, Mass. Gasoline is close to breaking below a key psychological barrier as drivers enjoy some of the cheapest pump prices since the recession. The nationwide average price of a gallon of regular Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 was $2.02, down 58 cents from this time last year, according to auto club AAA. Experts say it could drop below $2 in the coming days. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File) Fort Payne, Ala., Clarksville, Tenn., and McNairy County, Tenn., achieved silver status while Lewisburg, Tenn., earned gold status this year in TVA’s Valley Sustainable Communities program. The Tennessee Valley Authority recognition goes to cities that promote environmental sustainability as part of their economic recruitment.
TVA introduced the Valley Sustainability Communities program in 2012 as a way to honor communities that link local sustainability efforts with economic development opportunities. Participating communities earn points in 15 categories by implementing specific policies and practices that contribute to overall sustainability, with an emphasis on those components that directly impact economic development efforts and/or the success of existing businesses in the community.
Chattanooga previously achieved the top Platinum status in the program, one of 28 communities that have now attained platinum, gold or silver status in the TVA sustainability program.
“Environmental sustainability continues to be one of the most important factors when a company chooses to invest in or relocate to a community,” said John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development.
Last year, TVA’s economic development division helped attract 76,200 jobs and stimulated more than $7.8 billion in business investments in TVA’s 7-state region.