House Joint Resolution 597, sponsored by Representative Russell, honors Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative (FLEC) on its eighty-fifth anniversary. Established in the 1940s to address the lack of electricity in rural Tennessee, FLEC has played a crucial role in providing affordable electric service to its members. Initially serving only 364 members with thirty miles of electric lines, the cooperative has significantly expanded its reach, now serving over 36,350 members across more than 3,100 miles of distribution lines in Blount, Loudon, and Monroe counties.

The resolution acknowledges FLEC's commitment to delivering quality electric service at rates that are thirty-seven percent below the national average, benefiting a large portion of Tennessee's landmass. It also highlights the cooperative's growth alongside the communities it serves, including areas within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest. The General Assembly expresses gratitude to FLEC's board of directors, management, and employees for their dedication to the cooperative's mission and the prosperity of East Tennessee.