Since Black & Veatch Construction Inc. (BVCI) mobilized to east Tennessee in September 2024 to begin work on will become a new natural gas-powered energy center, giving back to Kingston and collaborating with local partners has been a core priority. Over the past two holiday seasons, BVCI and its more than 600 professionals made good on that, supporting local families with food drives and toy donations that make lives better.
This year, the outreach went a step further, recognizing Kingston emergency responders on the front lines of keeping the project and their community safe each day.
Acknowledging the Kingston Fire Department’s ongoing support and its recent completion of high-angle rescue training, BVCI donated to it rescue climbing harnesses, helmets and other personal protective equipment — specialized gear that enhances the department’s capabilities as vertical construction on the project will increase in 2026.
The department’s advanced rescue training and familiarity with the site make it an invaluable partner to both BVCI and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which is replacing its 1.5-gigawatt Kingston coal-fired power plant — now more than seven decades old — with one powered by natural gas and eventually some sun.
"As the TVA Kingston gas project continues its development, partnerships like this ensure that safety remains at the forefront."
“It is both an honor and a responsibility to work closely with community responders whose dedication plays a vital role in protecting local workers and residents.” said Lee Bailey, environmental, safety and health manager for Black & Veatch. A key contributor to this collaboration is the voluntary emergency response team BVCI formed, marshalling trained craft and staff personnel who meet monthly with Kingston Fire Department professionals to tour the site, review evolving work conditions and ensure seamless coordination in the event of an emergency. The premise: the more thoroughly first responders understand the site’s layout, equipment and upcoming construction tasks, the more effectively they can assist the TVA and BVCI.
This generous donation of rescue equipment from BVCI is a meaningful investment in the safety of our firefighters and the community they serve,” Kingston City Manager David Bolling said. "Our fire department plays a critical role in protecting lives and responding to complex emergencies, and having the right tools makes a real difference. We are grateful for BVCI’s commitment to partnership, preparedness and giving back to the communities where they work.”
