TVA makes the right call on land use

There has been some grumbling about the Tennessee Valley Authority's new land management plan, but for the most part the policy is being welcomed with open arms.

The policy, adopted Thursday, is aimed at protecting the 293,000 acres of property TVA owns along the Tennessee River and its tributaries. Private lands along the shoreline are exempt from the new rules.

The new policy prohibits TVA from transferring land to private developers or local and state governments to become subdivisions or shopping complexes. Some industrial development and creation of water-based recreation facilities will be allowed on lands already designated for such uses.

While some elected officials and developers are unhappy with the plan, claiming it will slow economic growth in the Tennessee Valley, many users of TVA's lakes are excited.

Proponents of the plan counter critics by saying preserving green space along TVA's lakes will attract tourists, new residents and businesses to the area.

Many anglers and boaters who visit the Shoals are amazed at the amount of wooded land that remains along our lakes. Most are envious of the green space and tell horror stories about uncontrolled development on their home lake. They talk about water quality problems, increased boating accidents and other woes caused by a housing boom.

Before the TVA board voted on the new land policy at its meeting in Knoxville,Tenn., several county officials and chamber of commerce leaders from around Tennessee and a developer from Birmingham warned the new rules would hurt the economies of rural communities. Those opponents made some valid claims. Others at the meeting urged the board to adopt the policy.

In the end, the board based its vote on the wishes of the Valley residents who took the time to share their thoughts about the land management plan.

TVA director Susan Williams said 92 percent of the more than 5,000 residents who submitted comments about the plan favored protecting the utility's shoreline lands. Another 4 percent supported the concept but wanted more flexibility.

In voting for the plan, the TVA board went against the wishes of several congressmen and senators.

While those federal officials wield lots of power in Washington, the TVA board works for the people of the Valley.

Kudos to the board for listening to the people about how they wanted their shorelines managed.

Dennis Sherer can be reached at 740-5746 or dennis.sherer@timesdaily.com.