Interview with Larry Colaw, October 11, 2018
Project: Tennessee Valley Authority Retiree Association Oral History Project
Interview Summary
Larry Colaw, a former employee of the TVA, begins the interview by describing how he was hired at the TVA. An overview of Colaw's career is given. Colaw describes his role in designing the Timberlake project (now known as Tellico Village, Tennessee). The interviewee's perspective on the Tellico Dam controversy is examined. The initial plan and design of Timberlake is compared to the resulting completed development at Tellico Village. Colaw illustrates how the TVA's involvement in creating Tellico Village was diminished after the Tellico Dam was completed. Colaw reveals why he retired from the TVA. Colaw's role in creating the Regional Industrial Development Information Management System (RIDIMS) at TVA is explored. The interviewee explains how development districts played a role in which projects he enacted as Executive Director of the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. Subsequently, Colaw characterizes his work with the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. Colaw also compares the work of development agencies to those of local governments. The provision of government services for Tellico Village are considered. Colaw briefly recalls the assistance of the TVA when he was attempting to build an industrial park (while working for the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency). Changes to TVA during the interviewee's career are evaluated. To conclude the interview, Colaw remembers when he first moved to Knoxville, as well as the most memorable staff members he worked with.Interview Accession
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All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.
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Colaw, Larry Interview by Philip Mummert. 11 Oct. 2018. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Colaw, L. (2018, October 11). Interview by P. Mummert. Tennessee Valley Authority Retiree Association Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Colaw, Larry, interview by Philip Mummert. October 11, 2018, Tennessee Valley Authority Retiree Association Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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