The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the largest public power company in the United States. It also controls flooding, assures navigability and recreation, and protects the environment across seven states on the Tennessee River System. Established in 1933 to combat the depression, TVA is in its ninth decade as a self-sustaining entity.

To understand the TVA as an enduring infrastructure project, we talk with Pat Ezzell, senior program manager and resident historian for TVA. Pat has authored a number of articles and two books on TVA history. She also hosts a social media and video series highlighting the TVA region.