TVA money could help build, renovate Roane Co. schools

TVA money could help build, renovate Roane Co. schools

By ANN KEIL
6 News Reporter

HARRIMAN (WATE) -- Roane County officials want to build better schools with some of the money paid by TVA in the wake of the December 2008 ash spill at its Kingston Fossil Plant.

In all, the Roane County Economic Development Foundation has been given $40 million.

"It would be great if the county commission will ask the board for that $32 million to be put toward our building program," says Roane County School Board Chair Mike Miller.

Although they would spend almost all of the money provided by TVA, Miller says it would be a wise investment.

"We have two schools that we've got that we feel like any money we put into them would be wasted," Miller says.

The plan would include closing two aging schools, Walnut Hill Elementary in Harriman and Dyllis Elementary which serves students in Oliver Springs.

Officials also hope to build a new elementary school and expand or renovate eight other schools.

"There are some things at Midway Middle School. There some things in Rockwood, and there's things at Cherokee Middle School in Kingston. Every district is getting a piece of the pie" Miller says.

In the past, instituting a wheel tax was the only option for funding the multi-million dollar project.

Miller says the TVA money isn't only a better option, it's a perfect solution.

"If you can help your kids, that's the most important thing you have in your community, and if you can take care of your kids and improve their education, then it's got to be a plus," Miller says.

Roane County commissioners will meet Thursday to discuss asking the Roane County Economic Development Foundation for the $32 million.

6 News spoke with one of the foundation members Tuesday, Harriman Mayor Chris Mason. He says the community couldn't go wrong investing in its youth.

"Our schools need it badly, $32 million. If that's what the request will be, I will be for it, and I will also be for county commission adding some money to that. I think we need more than $32 million," Mason says.

Of the $40 million provided by TVA, $6.7 million has already been allocated.

That means, if the foundation funds the school building program, Roane County would have just over $1 million remaining.