Tennessee – The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is scheduled to engage with Cheatham County residents in an informational meeting concerning the controversial Cheatham Generation project, aiming to address community concerns and clarify details about the initiative.
In May 2023, TVA unveiled plans for a significant development in Cheatham County, introducing the “Cheatham County Generation Site.” This project, designed to be a 900 megawatt simple cycle Combustion Turbine plant coupled with a battery storage facility, is slated for a location merely four miles away from Ashland City and Pleasant View. The ambitious proposal not only encompasses the construction of the natural gas plant but also includes the installation of 45 miles of transmission lines and 12 miles of gas pipeline across the county. This initiative is part of TVA’s broader strategy to decommission the Cumberland Fossil Plant by 2028, with the Cheatham Generation Site playing a crucial role in facilitating this transition.
However, the proposal has been met with substantial resistance from the Cheatham County community, including its residents and local government officials. In a significant move, the Cheatham County commission along with the cities of Pleasant View, Ashland City, Kingston Springs, and Pegram, have all passed resolutions unequivocally opposing the TVA’s plans.
Cheatham County Mayor Kerry McCarver voiced strong criticism against TVA’s approach, emphasizing the need for the authority to better understand and appreciate the impact of their proposal on the local community. McCarver stressed that it is TVA’s responsibility to recognize the community’s concerns, rather than placing the burden on Cheatham County to argue for the project’s relocation.
To facilitate dialogue and provide clarifications, TVA has organized an informational meeting set for Tuesday night at 6 p.m. at the Cheatham County Middle School gym located at 700 Scoutview Road in Ashland City. The meeting will begin with a presentation by TVA, followed by a public Q&A session and an open house, offering residents the chance for individual discussions with TVA officials. Scott Brooks of TVA highlighted the meeting’s intent to be an interactive engagement with the community, aiming to address questions and dispel any rumors circulating within the county.
