Author Archive: rwatkins

Spring Meeting Planned for Paris Landing State Park April 22-23

Hello All!

We are finalizing the agenda for our upcoming spring meeting of the Association of Tennessee Valley Governments, planned for April 22-23, 2026 at Paris Landing State Park in Buchanan, TN on beautiful Kentucky Lake!  Please make your room reservations early at the new Lodge at Paris Landing State Park by calling 731-641-4465 or 731-924-4301.

We have an informative agenda shaping up that includes presentations on some very interesting topics, including two recent TVA announcements regarding the extension of the Cumberland and Kinston Coal Plants operations and the proposed new Rorex Creek Pump Storage Facility to be located in Jackson County, Alabama.  Several additional TVA updates will be provided as well.

ATVG is honored to also have a special guest visit our group who will speak on leadership. Brigadier General David Hicks, USAF who has recently returned home to the Paris area. Gen Hicks is a former Top Gun Pilot, Base Commander, and has had a fascinating career with the USAF.

We will enjoy a fried catfish feast with all the trimmings at the “Worlds Biggest Fish Fry” Festival in Paris on Thursday evening and Friday morning, everyone is invited to attend the “Worlds Biggest Fish Fry” Grand Parade in Paris.

As always Registration and Agenda are included our website, ATVG.ORG.  Please make your room reservations and get registration forms sent in early.  Make your plans now to attend this informative meeting of ATVG!

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out.
Looking to see you in April at Paris Landing!

Mike Arms, Executive Director
ATVG

A Path For More Energy- An Editorial

The Chattanooga Times ran an Op-Ed on February 15  which was provided by the SEVEN STATES POWER CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS on how they can help bring more power to the  Tennessee Valley.  The Seven States Power Corporation is a nonprofit electric power generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Chattanooga, TN.   Seven States Power Corporation, a generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative, was designed in 2007 as a way for 150+ local power companies (LPCs) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to collaboratively solve challenges and enhance the way power is provided across the Tennessee Valley. A key aspect of our formation was the ability to finance utility-scale generation assets, expand energy production, and modernize infrastructure to support the growing grid without increasing TVA’s debt against their ceiling.  Read the article on the Seven States website here.

Commissioner Tommy Barnes , Colbert County, AL elected 2026 ATVG President

During the fall meeting in October 2025 in Gatlinburg, Commissioner Tommy Barnes (R) –District 1 Colbert County, AL was elected ATVG President for the upcoming 2026 year.  Commissioner Barnes welcomes your questions and participation in issues affecting the Tennessee Valley Authority and TVA counties.   Commissioner Barnes may be contacted at:

Commissioner Tommy Barnes (R) –

District 1 Colbert County, AL

3414 E 18th Ave. Sheffield, AL 35660

Phone: 256-284-5852

email: tommybarnes1958@gmail.com

2026 ATVG Meeting Dates Announced

Mike Arms, ATVG Executive Director, has announced dates for the upcoming 2026 ATVG meetings.  Make reservations early!  More information to come.

  • April 22-23, 2026 Lodge at Paris Landing State Park, Buchanan TN
  • July 29-30, 2026 Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris GA
  • October 27-28, 2026 Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Gatlinburg TN

Updated Agenda Released For Fall 2025 Meeting Gatlinburg TN

Executive Director Mike Arms recommends ATVG members planning to attend our Fall Meeting in Gatlinburg TN October 22-23, 2025 at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown Gatlinburg  to please make reservations now!  See the reservation link below for Hotel Reservations . We will post the agenda and registration form later this summer on our website.

Details will include an early arrival reception on Wednesday, October 22, at the Park Grill on Parkway, A special presentation on Black Bears will begin at 9AM Thursday morning and our annual meeting and election Thursday, October 23 at 11:00 am, followed by lunch and our afternoon program begins at 1PM.   As always we will conclude with a social hour and group dinner on Thursday evening at 6pm.  If you plan to attend please make reservations for your room before September 24.  We have a $209 room rate during the Park’s peak color season…..So Rooms will go quickly!

Thanks,

Mike Arms, ATVG Executive Director

Anderson, Roane, Oak Ridge Spotlighted at Summer ATVG Meeting

Jeff Smith presents a slide stating that “TVA’s Clinch River SMR Site is the nation’s lowest risk and quickest approach to bring new nuclear onto the grid at a cost the system can afford.” at the summer Association of Tennessee Valley Governments meeting on June 11, 2025.  Photo’s by Terry Frank

OAK RIDGE, TENN.—Anderson County, Roane County, and the City of Oak Ridge were on display as the Association of Tennessee Governments (ATVG) Conference showcased area assets and talent at the two-day summer ATVG Conference held in June.

Welcoming attendees from six of the seven states that make up the Tennessee Valley, the conference focused on energy, with a special emphasis on the history and future of nuclear. Continue reading→