Comments show public support for TVA land development ban
Source: Associated Press, by Associated Press
January 14, 2007
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Recently released public comments on the Tennessee Valley Authority's sale of seized land to private developers were overwhelmingly negative.
Those against development included environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts and those who owned property near potential developments. But the most common theme was that it was unjust to seize land for public use and then sell a portion to private developers.
The land in question was taken by eminent domain to build dams, but years later the waterfront property became valuable.
The T-V-A Board of Directors voted 8-to-1 late last year for a permanent moratorium on sale of the land for private development after receiving 5-thousand comments on the subject.
The vote will ensure public access and preservation to some 293-thousand acres managed by T-V-A along the 652-mile Tennessee River and its tributaries.
