WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today supported the confirmation of former Oxford mayor Richard Howorth to a second term on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors.

The Senate approved the Howorth nomination by voice vote Thursday evening. Howorth was first appointed to the TVA board in 2011 and was re-nominated to a new term in July. With confirmation, he is cleared to serve a term expiring in May 2020.

“Richard has been an effective advocate for the approximately 9 million people and businesses who rely on TVA power,” Wicker said. “I urged the President to renominate Richard to the board, and I am pleased that the Senate acted to approve it so swiftly. I am confident he will continue to work on behalf of Mississippi ratepayers, as well as champion important TVA economic development projects in our state.”

“The Tennessee Valley Authority plays an important role in North Mississippi, and Richard Howorth has used his position to effectively represent our interests and those of all TVA customers,” Cochran said. “The Senate’s reaffirmation of support for his service gives him new opportunities to help shape the future of the TVA and its work in our state and region.”

Howorth, the founder and owner of Square Books in Oxford, served to two terms as mayor, during which time he was chairman of the authority overseeing the Oxford Electric Department. He also served eight years as a director and officer of the North Mississippi Industrial Development Association and is a former president of the American Booksellers Association.

More than 80 years ago, Tupelo became the first city to receive electrical service from TVA and still prides itself as the “First TVA City.” Since then, TVA has provided electric power and promoted economic development in North Mississippi.