CPWS Secures $75 Million Loan as Larger Water Project Awaits Decision

Issue #788

August 06, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Partly cloudy during day, evening showers w/ high of 90, low of 71

📰 CPWS Secures $75 Million Loan as Larger Water Project Awaits Decision

👉 Deadline For Columbia 101 Applications is Friday 

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

CPWS Secures $75 Million Loan as Larger Water Project Awaits Decision

Columbia Power & Water Systems cleared an important funding hurdle last week after a state financing board approved a $75 million low-interest loan to help expand the city's water treatment plant.

The expansion will increase the plant's treatment capacity to 12 million gallons per day and is considered a critical public health project as the current facility nears its operating limits. CPWS plans to secure additional financing to complete the approximately $205 million project.

The board, however, postponed a decision on a separate $315 million federal loan that would help fund the utility's proposed downstream intake and pipeline project. Members said they want to wait until Gov. Bill Lee's Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership releases its official recommendation, which is expected later this summer.

Supporters say the downstream intake is needed to meet Maury County's long-term water needs and comply with state permitting requirements. Opponents continue to question whether it's the best and most cost-effective solution.

Despite the delay, CPWS officials said the water treatment plant expansion will move forward, and they remain optimistic the remaining financing can be finalized after the Partnership issues its recommendation.

Read Main Street Maury's full story for more details on the funding decisions and the ongoing debate over the downstream intake project.

Deadline For Columbia 101 Applications is Friday

Have you ever wondered how the City of Columbia operates or wanted to learn more about the people and services that keep our community running? The City of Columbia is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 session of Columbia 101, an interactive civic engagement program that gives residents an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at their local government.

Designed to educate, engage, and inspire, Columbia 101 offers participants the opportunity to meet City leaders, tour municipal facilities, and experience firsthand how the City's 12 departments work together to serve the community. From public safety and infrastructure to parks, planning, and public services, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the essential work happening every day to make Columbia a great place to live, work, and visit.

The Fall 2026 session will take place Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Participants will begin each morning at City Hall before visiting City departments and facilities throughout Columbia, with opportunities to ask questions, engage with City staff, and learn about current projects and future initiatives.

"Columbia is an incredible community because of the people who call it home," said Mayor Chaz Molder. "Columbia 101 gives residents a chance to see firsthand how their local government works, meet the people behind the services they rely on every day, and discover new ways to get involved. Whether you've lived here your entire life or recently made Columbia your home, this program offers a unique opportunity to connect with your city."

A Spring 2026 participant shared their experience, saying, "I loved everything about Columbia 101! It absolutely filled me with community pride to learn all about not only the departments that keep us all running, but to meet the people who are so passionate about what they do. Such an honor!"

Columbia 101 is open to all City of Columbia and Maury County residents and is offered twice each year. Whether you're simply curious about local government, interested in becoming more involved in your community, or looking to build relationships with fellow residents and City leaders, Columbia 101 provides an engaging and informative experience for participants of all backgrounds.

"Columbia 101 creates meaningful conversations between citizens and City staff while helping participants better understand the services, planning, and teamwork that go into serving our community every day," said City Manager Tony Massey.

Program Director Lexi Dearborn added, "Participants consistently tell us they leave with a greater appreciation for the work being done across the City and a stronger connection to their community. If you've ever wanted to know more about how Columbia works, this is the perfect opportunity."

A $25 program fee is required for accepted applicants to help cover the cost of meals, transportation, and program materials.

Applications are available now at www.ColumbiaTN.gov or at the reception desk on the third floor of City Hall. The application deadline is Friday, August 7, 2026.

For questions about Columbia 101, contact Program Director Lexi Dearborn at [email protected]. Follow the City of Columbia on Facebook and Instagram at @CityofColumbiaTN for additional updates and program information.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, August 7th 

Saturday, August 8th 

Sunday, August 9th

Monday, August 10th 

Tuesday, August 11th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, August 6
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM

Friday, August 7
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Nick Black - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
First Fridays with Miles Victor Trio - Puckett's, 6:30-8 PM
Classic Vinyl 931 - Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
Live Music on the Square - Brother Maven - Puckett's, 8:30-10 PM

Saturday, August 8
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Trace Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Napier City Limits - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 PM
Brooklyn Ray - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Scotty Morton Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30-10:30 PM

Sunday, August 9
The Sins - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

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