This Department identified one site with industrial development value. Because county officials indicate that a new school site maybe the best use for this site, TVA should ask the county to determine this site's use. If industry use is contemplated, then TVA should seek involvement of a local industry board. The proceeds from such sales might be utilized for public purposes. Moreover, there may be some lands which do not have significant value as public property.
Land use is inherently a responsibility of municipal and county governments.
Great deference should be afforded to local government's land use preferences. While the sale of certain uplands to private interests should generally be a local decision, under no circumstances however, should the land be sold in such a way as to depress the local real estate market. Granting easements and the sale of non-contiguous parcels and irregularly shaped tracts for the purpose of alleviating barriers to access and water supply should occur. In some circumstances, agricultural leases may be appropriate. The State's first and overriding interest is the protection, potential enhancement and possible expansion of the Duck River corridor.