Edwards slams TVA for denying a face-to-face meeting with Cherokee County residents

Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today released the following statement after the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) leadership failed to provide an opportunity for Cherokee County citizens to give public, in-person input on a new transmission line that will be running through the county.

Edwards said, “After assuring me that the citizens of Cherokee County would have the opportunity to share their input on a transmission line that will affect folks’ homes and farms, many of which have been in families for generations, the TVA turned back on their word and did not allow for any questions or input from the audience at a Cherokee County Commission meeting.

“The TVA, like so many other federal agencies, are out-of-touch with the concerns of citizens in WNC. I continue to demand that the TVA hold a public, in-person session on this issue in Cherokee County so citizens can finally have their voices heard. They deserve to be able to ask questions and hear answers from the federal agency that will have such a potential adverse effect on their property.”

The TVA has been deciding where to place a new power transmission line in Cherokee County, affecting people’s homes and communities. While these citizens would still own their land, those affected will have large power transmission towers and lines running through their property.

Earlier this year, the TVA held a virtual open house instead of an in-person question-and-answer session to discuss the project with Cherokee County residents even though some residents may not have broadband capability to participate in a virtual hearing and COVID is not a factor in 2023.

Congressman Edwards raised this concern in April and May with TVA executives and staff after hearing from constituents living in Cherokee County about their concerns. The TVA subsequently assured Congressman Edwards that those citizens would have the opportunity for a public, in-person input session.

Last week, the TVA chose to make a presentation to the Cherokee County commissioners but did not allow for questions or input from the audience.