Categorical Exclusion Completed

TVA Hiwassee-Appalachia-Alcoa Fiber Optic Project

Cherokee National Forest Monroe; Polk, Tennessee Ocoee Ranger District

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) proposes to replace the existing ground wire on approximately 60 miles of transmission lines on the Cherokee National Forest with optical ground wire or fiber to improve internet access to rural communities in the southeast United States.

Location

The project is located on existing transmission lines in Monroe and Polk Counties, TN.

Project timeline

1
NEPA Start Date
4/15/2025
2
Finding/Decision Date
11/4/2025

NEPA / regulatory detail

Categorical ExclusionUSDA-27d-USFS
Decision Signed Date11/4/2025
Special use management