Grand Rivers, Ky. — The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Friends of Land Between the Lakes, on Saturday announced a $100,000 one-time contribution to maintain and preserve the Land Between the Lakes’ (LBL) cemeteries and cultural heritage.
The USFS committed $25,000 and will partner with Friends of Land Between the Lakes through a committee to manage the funds allocated for this preservation work.
The announcement was made at an event hosted by TVA on November 2 at the Grand Rivers Community Center, with LBL supporters, community members, and representatives from the partnering organizations.
“The Land Between the Lakes is a treasured part of this region and an important place in the area’s history,” said TVA Board of Directors Member Wade White. “These funds and this partnership with the U.S. Forestry Service and Friends of LBL will strengthen our ability to preserve and celebrate the heritage, history and unique culture that makes this such a beautiful place to visit.”
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a United States 171,280-acre national recreation area in Kentucky and Tennessee between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. It was designated as a national recreation area in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy and developed using funds appropriated during the Johnson administration.
“It has been said that to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe”, shared Elaine Jackson, Executive Director of Friends of Land Between the Lakes. “It is a proud moment for the Friends of Land Between the Lakes and an honor to be part of this movement. The individuals that have come together from TVA, the US Forest Service, and each County have a dream and will work hard to make a plan to care for this land that so many love.”
Originally managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which constructed dams to create the two lakes in this area, the recreation area was later transferred to the administration of the United States Forest Service. In 1991, it was designated a Biosphere Reserve.
“This is a great day,” said Jim McCoy, area supervisor for the USFS. “The US Forest Service and the team at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is proud to be part of this effort to ensure cemeteries are cared for in a way which is befitting of the history shared by all the former residents and which positions all of us for more meaningful collaboration into the future.”
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established more than 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.
TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.