Duck River Partnership Approves CPWS Downstream Water Intake

Issue #792

August 12, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Partly sunny w/ high of 93, low of 74

📰 Duck River Partnership Approves CPWS Downstream Water Intake

📰 Tennessee Historical Commission Announces Federal Historic Preservation Grants

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Duck River Partnership Approves CPWS Downstream Water Intake

The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership formally affirmed the downstream intake and raw water transmission portions of the Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) Long-Term Water Supply Program during its meeting Monday, August 10, marking a crucial step forward in securing reliable, sustainable water service for the region’s future. 

Monday’s decision completes a two-part affirmation by the Partnership. The vote follows last month’s unanimous approval of the proposed CPWS water treatment facility, officially endorsing the comprehensive project as a vital initiative for the long-term health and preservation of the Duck River. 

By endorsing both the infrastructure expansion and the overall supply strategy, the Partnership recognized CPWS’s proactive measures to balance growing municipal water demands with environmental stewardship. 

"This full affirmation from the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership validates years of diligent planning and science-based forecasting," said Jack Baxter, interim president and CEO of CPWS. "Securing our community's water future while safeguarding the Duck River's delicate ecosystem must go hand in hand. The Partnership’s support reinforces that this project is not only necessary for our region’s source water needs, but fundamentally right for the long-term health of our river." 

The CPWS Long-Term Water Supply Program is designed to meet existing and expanding residential and industrial capacity needs across the service area while minimizing environmental impact on the river’s natural flow and biodiversity. With the Partnership’s formal backing, CPWS will continue to seek guidance and approval of parity from the Tennessee Local Development Authority for their two major funding sources — $75 million from the State Revolving Fund and $315 million from the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan.

Tennessee Historical Commission Announces Federal Historic Preservation Grants

The Tennessee Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, has awarded 28 matching grants totaling over $1.1 million from the Federal Historic Preservation Fund to non-profits, local governments, universities, and civic organizations across the state to support the preservation of historic and archaeological resources.

This year’s grant awards include a wide variety of historic and architectural projects. Some projects this year continue previous projects, such as the stained-glass window restoration at the Lindsley Avenue Church of Christ in Nashville. Other grants will assist in funding preservation planners in seven of the state’s development districts.

One of the agency’s grant priorities is for projects that are in Certified Local Governments, a program that allows the 51 enrolled communities to participate closely in the federal program of historic preservation. Certified Local Government communities are highly encouraged to apply, and for this round five CLG communities received funding, including a grant to the City of Dandridge for roof and masonry restoration at the Hickman Tavern and Hickman Tavern Coach House in Jefferson County.

Additional priorities include those that meet the goals and objectives of the Tennessee Historical Commission’s plan for historic preservation. Properties that use the grant funds for restoration projects must be listed in the National Register. 

The next Federal Historic Preservation Fund grant cycle will open in January 2027.

Grant recipients in Maury County:

  • African American Heritage Society of Maury County: $9,000 for foundation restoration of the Mrs. A.J. Morton & Son Funeral Home

  • Maury County Government: $60,000 for roof restoration of the War Memorial Building

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, August 12th

Thursday, August 13th

Friday, August 14th

Saturday, August 15th

Sunday, August 16th

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, August 13
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM

Friday, August 14
Shannon & The Harpeth River Boys - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Ryan Keeler - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Open Mic - Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-8 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Zachariah Smith - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Escape - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, August 15
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Nick Bentley - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Carson Phillips - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Taylor Hughes - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Gritz & Glory - The Boondox, 8 PM
Bonus Track - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, August 16
The Cliftones - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

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