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Show Chapter 6 Programs for Additional Improvements The water resources of the Tennessee Basin have been more fully developed than those of any other large river basin of the Nation. In the control of its streams, distribution of energy from the river's work, provision of economical water transporta- tion, protection against floods, and use of the basin's waters for the comfort and enjoyment of citizens of the region, accomplishment has been outstanding. Investment of large Federal funds, careful plan- ning, and well-organized cooperative effort have made the basin important in the national economy, and a key support of a national defense program. Future possibilities in the region, for still more complete development include particularly further construction of electric power generating facilities, further navigation development, pollution abate- ment, improved land treatment in the basin, and further experiment for the economic improvement of the region. Need for More Electric Power Administration of the TVA program early demonstrated that the demand for electric power is elastic. In the homes of the Tennessee Valley the time may soon come when average usage will be even higher than the present level. In some cities residential usage is above 5,000 kilowatt-hours an- nually, while the distribution area as a whole uses more than 3,000 kilowatt-hours, far in excess of the national average. The upward trend is continuing. Furthermore, experience in the Pacific Northwest and in Ontario, Canada, shows that much higher home usage can be expected than has been reached to date in the Tennessee Valley. The demand for electrical space heating is just beginning. Homes built in Chattanooga and Nash- ville in the accelerated construction which followed World War II were in many cases built with electric heating facilities. The low rates at the higher usage levels enable the householder in the Tennessee or Cumberland Valley to heat his home with elec- tricity in competition with natural gas, fuel oil, or coal. Air-conditioning equipment for offices, stores, and homes are needed in the TVA area for comfort and working efficiency. TVA has stimulated food processing. Quick- frozen foods of many types have encouraged the cooperative food locker industry; its full possibilities are still undeveloped, but as the industry expands new power loads will be created. The Tennessee Valley is capable of sustaining a more diversified industry. Many factories have been built to use the various resources of the region. The heavy war industry to produce aluminum, electrochemicals, nitrates, atomic explosives, and ordnance, may have less impact on the basin's economy than the increasing number of smaller and less spectacular industries designed to use the region's resources. Resources cannot be said to be fully developed until they have been made available as consumer goods. A primary instrument in the process of conversion is electric power which TVA markets. The growth of power generating capacity to serve the valley and adjacent areas will help to harness the river for a wide variety of related benefits. Interconnected and integrated power systems of the Tennessee, Cumberland, and other adjacent basins will be augmented with additional steam and hydroelectric stations. At the rate of growth that has characterized the region in the past 17 years, several million kilowatts of additional capacity will be needed within the next few years. It is likely that important parts of this may have to be supplied 789 |
