From Local 3 News: Tennessee has secured a major federal investment to advance next-generation nuclear energy. Governor Bill Lee announced Tuesday that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has been awarded a $400 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to support development of the nation’s first small modular reactor at the Clinch River Site.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for America’s energy dominance and underscores Tennessee’s position as a leader in clean, reliable nuclear energy to power the future,” Governor Lee said, thanking the federal government and TVA for their partnership. The Clinch River location is one of the nation’s only federally approved but still-undeveloped nuclear sites.
State leaders have backed the project for several years. In 2025, Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly budgeted up to $50 million to accelerate SMR construction and strengthen TVA’s grant application. In 2023, the Governor launched the Nuclear Energy Fund, investing $70 million to draw advanced nuclear companies to East Tennessee. That effort has brought in more than $7.3 billion in private investment and nearly 2,000 jobs from companies including Orano, Type One, BWXT Enrichment, Oklo, and Radiant Industries.
The state’s long-term nuclear strategy is guided by the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, established through Executive Order 101.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for America’s energy dominance and underscores Tennessee’s position as a leader in clean, reliable nuclear energy to power the future,” Governor Lee said, thanking the federal government and TVA for their partnership. The Clinch River location is one of the nation’s only federally approved but still-undeveloped nuclear sites.
State leaders have backed the project for several years. In 2025, Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly budgeted up to $50 million to accelerate SMR construction and strengthen TVA’s grant application. In 2023, the Governor launched the Nuclear Energy Fund, investing $70 million to draw advanced nuclear companies to East Tennessee. That effort has brought in more than $7.3 billion in private investment and nearly 2,000 jobs from companies including Orano, Type One, BWXT Enrichment, Oklo, and Radiant Industries.
The state’s long-term nuclear strategy is guided by the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, established through Executive Order 101.
Posted in Local News
Recent
Lt. Governor Randy McNally to not seek reelection
February 27th, 2026
Construction prompts traffic shift on I-75 South
February 27th, 2026
Plumbing problems at Meigs County High lead to early dismissal Thursday, remote learning Friday
February 27th, 2026
Parkridge to be allowed to build freestanding emergency room in Cleveland
February 26th, 2026
Sheriff’s offices warn of impersonation scam targeting Tennessee residents
February 26th, 2026
Archive
2026
January
Cleveland man among two arrested after biker gang stabbing in TazewellTennessee sees fewer deadly crashes, Georgia sees more holiday traffic deaths2 women, 2 children found dead in Waverly home during welfare checkFormer TN Rep. Robin Smith seeks probation in federal mail fraud caseBradley County Commission meeting recapTDOT temporarily closing lanes along I-75 in Bradley, McMinn Counties"She admitted her mistakes": Former TN Rep. Robin Smith's pardon attorney fighting for presidential probationHundreds of DUI arrests in TN ended with no drugs or alcohol detected, TBI reportsBradley Co. Schools to begin training on weapons detection systems, aimed at enhancing campus safetyCleveland City Schools announces leadership transitions after 2026 school yearMulti-vehicle crash on I-75 South Tuesday afternoonAthens man receives one of the longest sentences in TN history in child sex abuse caseJenkins Deli to close after nearly 50 years in businessPolk County receives $500,000 Tennessee Historic Development Grant for courthouseGun found in student's car at McMinn Co. High; juvenile chargedCleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivers State of the City addressCleveland State announces Community First AwardsMotorcyclist killed in crash on Ooltewah Georgetown Rd. Sunday morningLake Winnie gets new operator; set to begin in 2026 seasonTennessee’s unemployment rate decreases in NovemberBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland State presidential search advisory committee appointed; public forum set for WednesdaySmall plane crashes in Polk County TuesdayMcMinn Co. High School placed on temporary lockdown following "concerning comment" made by studentCleveland City School Board meeting recapHuman remains found in wooded area near EtowahTennessee Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 35th anniversary January 17-18Tennessee residents may soon vote to ban state property tax foreverGov. Lee proclaims January 19 as "Dolly Parton Day"United Airlines temporarily offering direct flights from Chattanooga to DenverBarn blaze leaves 9 animals dead in Bradley County ThursdayBradley County Mayor Gary Davis delivers annual State of the County addressNo injuries reported after crash on Paul Huff Parkway SaturdayPetroleum pipeline maintenance under Mouse Creek Road to cause delaysCharleston home a complete loss after fire Saturday afternoonTwo vehicle crash on I-75 S causes temporary road closure SundayBradley Medical Center and Erlanger to partner to expand pediatric emergency servicesOoltewah man arrested after auto burglary spree, HCSO saysDecember Tennessee revenues exceed budgeted amounts by $82.7 millionTennessee lawmakers push to expand school voucher program as demand surges past 50,000Bradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland man arrested after making threats to judge, criminal justice officialsYour to-do list ahead of the winter storm heading toward the TN ValleyOfficials urge residents to prepare now for unpredictable winter weather in TN ValleySPCA of Bradley County temporarily closing due to winter weatherBradley County EMS to begin carrying CYANOKITTennessee and Georgia declare state of emergenciesCleveland City Schools names Mike Chai as new Director of Student ServicesSheriff Steve Lawson discusses updates and future needs of BCSO ThursdayMan wanted for attempted murder in Athens stabbing considered dangerousCleveland City Schools and CPD launch BusPatrol ProgramBradley County government offices closed MondayTDOT crews help drivers across the stateMcMinn Co. deputy praised for heroic response to deadly crash after pursuit of stolen vehicleCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland's Long Range Transportation Plan draft focuses on congestion, safetyApartment catches fire Sunday in ClevelandVolunteers needed for Barbara's Market in ClevelandTBI activates hotline to support welfare checks after winter stormBlood Assurance offers $40 eGift Cards to donorsLee University, City of Cleveland partner to celebrate Sousa’s Musical LegacyFormer Hamilton Co. teacher sentenced to 60 years following conviction of child sexual abuseCleveland firefighters quickly extinguish basement fire Wednesday nightKnox County man charged with first-degree murder after body found in Ten MileBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9Cleveland PD Chief Mark Gibson delivers 2026 New Year's MessageUnemployment rates below 5% in nearly every Tennessee countyGov. Lee requests expedited disaster declaration for 23 counties
February
Cleveland community mourns death of Bradley Central student athleteBradley County government offices closed MondayCleveland firm laying off 100 employees starting April 1'Infrastructure challenges' blamed for failing health inspection score at Benton ElementaryGov. Lee delivers 2026 State of the State Address: “Tennessee: The Original Frontier”Tennessee lawmakers, DA look to ensure death penalty as option for child rape"It's disappointing": Cigna Healthcare says CommonSpirit sought price increases, rejected current contract amid failed negotiationBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9TDCI and Tennessee AG issue joint statement about Winter Storm FernCleveland City Schools AI bus cameras already catch drivers illegally passingTennessee reaches nearly $18M settlement with drug companies over alleged price gougingHow many arrestees were turned over to ICE? New Tennessee report breaks it down by countyVolkswagen, UAW reach contract agreementBradley County Fire and Rescue responded to 2 structure fires Wednesday morningUPDATE: Manhunt continues for suspect in attempted murder after known 'associate' chased through Bradley, Polk Counties8 students charged after brawl at Cleveland High SchoolCleveland man arrested after armed domestic dispute, standoffEx-NFL player charged with girlfriend's murder; victim identified2026 Winter Job Fair to take place Feb. 13UPDATE: Missing Athens, TN woman found safeBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapBradley County School Board meeting recapUTC students react to new safety app after 2025 false shooter scareFormer Tennessee private school principal has child sex charges reduced, learns sentenceTellico Plains police officer indicted in statutory rape investigation, TBI saysNew Tennessee bill further protects places of worshipCHS receives $10,000 grant to enhance Tango Flight ProgramBradley County Sheriff's Office warns of local scamAllegiant Air begins nonstop route from CHA to Fort LauderdaleLee University names Johnson Director of Community and Church Relations