U.S. Rep. Dale Strong toured three sites this week to get a first-hand look at the TVA’s vital role in providing energy to the region. The stops are part of Strong’s effort to personally assess that TVA’s infrastructure is maintained and able to meet the rising demand of consumers in the area.

“As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, North Alabama must continue investing in affordable, reliable, and advanced sources of energy production,” said Strong. “I am glad to see that TVA is investing in our region and taking its responsibility seriously.”

The group visited Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Athens, Wilson Lock and Dam in Florence, and the Bellefonte Nuclear Site in Jackson County.

“North Alabama is an important part of the TVA service territory, with a large and diverse generation portfolio, including nuclear, gas, hydro, and more,” said TVA Board of Directors Chair Joe Ritch. “I enjoyed spending the day with Congressman Strong touring many of these TVA sites in the region.

“I appreciate his support and desire to learn more about the work being done to provide the affordable, reliable, and resilient energy needed to serve our customers and continue to attract good-paying jobs to the part of Alabama we both call home.”

RELATED: Dale Strong introduces bill to increase Tennessee Valley power generation, supported by Aderholt

Strong (R-Monrovia) introduced legislation in September to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and micro-reactors in the U.S. To achieve this goal, the Department of Energy will be required to construct and demonstrate two near-term SMR or micro-reactor projects that can be fully deployed by 2034.The Bellefonte Nuclear Plant would qualify under the legislation.

He is also working alongside members of the Alabama delegation to expedite multiple infrastructure repairs at Wilson Lock to bring the main lock chamber back to full operational status. Wilson Lock on the Tennessee River in Florence is a major transportation artery of the region.

TVA was established more than 90 years ago by President Franklin D. Roosevelt through the Tennessee Valley Authority Act. TVA’s service area covers Tennessee and portions of Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten