Tennessee Valley Authority Act

( 1933 ) Commentary by Lisa A. Ennis, University of Alabama at Birmingham

“That for the purpose of maintaining and operating the properties now owned by the United States in the vicinity of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, in the interest of the national defense and for agriculture and industrial development, and to improve navigation in the Tennessee River and to control the destructive flood waters in the Tennessee River and Mississippi River Basins, there is hereby created a body corporate by the name of the ‘Tennessee Valley Authority.'” - Section 1
“The board is hereby empowered and authorized to sell the surplus power not used in its operations, and for operation of locks and other works generated by it, to States, counties, municipalities, corporations, partnerships, or individuals.” - Section 10
“To aid further the proper use, conservation, and development of the natural resources of the Tennessee River drainage basin and of such adjoining territory as may be related to or materially affected by the development consequent to this Act, and to provide for the general welfare of the citizens of said areas.” - Section 22

The Tennessee Valley Authority Act (National Archives and Records Administration)

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