TVA: Lauderdale County could benefit from auto industry

By By Fredie Carmichael/staff writer
Feb. 12, 2002
The chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority told local business leaders today that Meridian and Lauderdale County are primed to benefit from the auto industry.
Nissan Motor Co. is building a $930 million auto plant in Madison County, while Mercedes already operates an auto plant near Tuscaloosa.
McCullough, the former mayor of Tupelo, was guest speaker at East Mississippi Business Development Corp.'s Business Before Hours program at the Mississippi State University – Meridian Campus.
McCullough said the TVA is playing a vital role in recruiting auto manufacturers and suppliers to this area. He said the TVA recently hosted a trip to the Smyrna, Tenn., Nissan plant for members of the East Central Mississippi Economic Council.
TVA is currently involved in more than $250 million worth of power generating and transmission projects in the state. It also generates more than $625 million almost 10 percent of its total power sales just in Mississippi.