TVA considering Jackson County location for new pumped storage facility

PISGAH, Ala. (WDEF)- TVA says they’re looking to build a new pumped storage facility in Jackson County, Alabama.

This would be located near Pisgah and Flat Rock on the western edge of Sand Mountain and generate up to 1.600 megawatts of energy.

This facility would be similar to the Racoon Mountain Reservoir here in Chattanooga, as a reservoir lake on top of Sand Mountain would be constructed and connected to the Tennessee River below.

A rendering of what a pumped storage facility would look like in Jackson County. (From: TVA)

TVA says they are also considering an expansion to Raccoon Mountain and a different site near Stevenson further north in Jackson County.

However, pending public comments, they say the Pisgah site gives them the best option to meet increasing power demands across the region.

TVA says that according to their environmental impact statement, the project is expected to cost $2-$5 billion dollars.

Project manager Scottie Barentine said during a presentation, “We are looking at about a thousand potential construction workers and up to 60 permanent facility jobs where the project site is located.”

TVA will host a public meeting at Pisgah High School next Thursday evening, June 12 from 6-8 p.m. central time, and public comments are open on their website through July 14th.