Legal Definitions - Tennessee Valley Authority

TVA stands for Tennessee Valley Authority.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a unique federal corporation established by the U.S. government in 1933. Its primary mission is to foster economic development and improve the quality of life across the Tennessee Valley region, which spans parts of seven southeastern states. TVA achieves this by managing the region's natural resources through a wide range of activities, including generating and distributing electricity, managing flood risks, improving river navigation, promoting sustainable land use, and supporting recreational opportunities. While its power generation operations are financially self-sufficient, many of its other programs rely on funding from Congress.

• Example 1: Powering Regional Industry

  A major automotive manufacturer is considering building a new assembly plant in northern Alabama, within the Tennessee Valley. One of their key criteria is access to a stable and cost-effective electricity supply. The Tennessee Valley Authority would be a crucial factor in their decision, as TVA provides the reliable and affordable power infrastructure necessary to support large-scale industrial operations, directly contributing to regional economic growth and job creation.

• Example 2: Mitigating Flood Disasters

  During a period of unusually heavy rainfall, communities along the Tennessee River in eastern Tennessee face a high risk of severe flooding. The Tennessee Valley Authority activates its integrated system of dams and reservoirs, carefully controlling water releases to prevent the river from overflowing its banks in populated areas. This action demonstrates TVA's critical role in flood control and resource management, protecting property and ensuring public safety across the region.

• Example 3: Enhancing Outdoor Recreation

  A family from outside the region plans a summer vacation centered around boating and fishing on a large lake in Kentucky, which is part of the Tennessee River system. They choose a lake managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which not only maintains the water levels for navigation and recreation but also develops public access points, campgrounds, and hiking trails along the shoreline. This illustrates TVA's commitment to improving recreational opportunities and promoting the responsible use of natural resources for the benefit of residents and visitors.