Columbia Dam Proposal Gains Momentum with Unanimous Commission Vote

Issue #416

April 23, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌧️ Columbia’s Weather - Light rain with high of 76 & low of 62

📰 Columbia Dam Proposal Gains Momentum with Unanimous Commission Vote

📰 Duck River Conservation Efforts Take $35M Hit in State Budget

📰 Maury Alliance Gives Back to Schools

📌 4/24: Hands-On Bushcraft Class For Kids at Yanahli Park

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, April 23rd

Thursday, April 24th

Friday, April 25th

Saturday, April 26th

Sunday, April 27th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

May 1-3: Mid-South Live Steamers Spring Meet at Maury County Park

Columbia Dam Proposal Gains Momentum with Unanimous Commission Vote

The Maury County Commission has unanimously voted in favor of reviving the long-abandoned Columbia Dam project, positioning it as a possible long-term solution to the region’s growing water needs.

During Monday’s meeting, members of the grassroots group Columbia Dam Now presented a case for why the unfinished project, halted in 1983, could be crucial to the county’s future. Proponents argued that the dam could secure a sustainable water supply for the next century—not only for Maury County but for neighboring counties as well.

Commissioner Jerry Bridenbaugh, one of the effort’s key leaders, emphasized that the Columbia Dam could serve as a lasting solution alongside other water strategies currently being explored. Another advocate, Jason Gilliam, shared findings from historical and environmental research, noting that if completed, the dam would create a reservoir stretching approximately 50 miles long, extending into Marshall County and holding nearly 294,000-acre feet of water.

Gilliam also addressed common concerns about the lake's depth and temperature, asserting that research from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) suggests the lake would improve water quality in the Duck River and support aquatic life.

In addition to securing water resources, the proposed reservoir could offer flood control benefits, saving potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in agricultural flood damage. Advocates estimated the project could also generate $38 million in yearly revenue.

While support for the project is growing, some commissioners acknowledged lingering public skepticism. However, they encouraged open dialogue and problem-solving as the effort moves forward. Several commissioners praised the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the region’s future and secure its water needs for decades to come.

With a 21-0 vote, the commission formally approved a resolution backing the project and signaling its intent to pursue the revitalization of the Columbia Dam.

Duck River Conservation Efforts Take $35M Hit in State Budget

Credit: protecttheduckriver.com

Tennessee’s recently approved 2026 state budget reduced funding for Duck River conservation and water supply initiatives by $35 million, cutting into what was originally a $100 million proposal aimed at safeguarding one of North America’s most ecologically diverse freshwater rivers.

The Duck River provides drinking water to approximately 250,000 residents in Middle Tennessee and has shown troubling signs of distress in recent years, including record-low water levels in 2025 and a noticeable rise in dead mussels—an indicator of declining river health.

Gov. Bill Lee’s initial budget proposal had positioned the full $100 million investment as a long-term solution to protect the river and ensure a reliable regional water supply. However, the legislature ultimately approved $65 million for related projects, citing concerns about the lack of specificity in how the funds would be spent.

Despite the cut, legislative leaders emphasized that the overall budget closely aligned with the governor’s original vision. For communities near the Duck River, including Hickman and Maury counties, the stakes remain high. While Hickman County constituents are primarily focused on environmental concerns, neighboring areas like Maury County are looking to the river as a critical source of water for a growing population.

Part of the governor’s strategy to address water access includes an executive order issued last fall, directing the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to evaluate large-scale infrastructure projects. These could include a potential pipeline from the Cumberland or Tennessee rivers. TDEC Commissioner David Salyers, who heads a 19-member advisory group tasked with guiding the state’s water strategy, previously described the original $100 million as incentive funding to help build regional partnerships.

Even with the reduced allocation, state leaders and environmental advocates acknowledge that solving Middle Tennessee’s water challenges will require hundreds of millions of dollars and a multi-year commitment.

Conservation groups say that while the funding cut is disappointing, they remain committed to working with state and regional partners to develop long-term, sustainable solutions that protect the Duck River and support the region’s water needs.

Maury Alliance Gives Back to Schools

Maury Alliance is excited to announce a special opportunity to support our schools during Teacher Appreciation Week through the Local First Gift Card program!

From April 28 – May 9, a portion of every Local First Gift Card purchased will be donated to the school that buys the most cards.

Here’s How It Works:

    1. Purchase a Local First Gift Card

    2. Select your school at checkout (online orders can select during pickup)

    3. The school with the most purchases will receive a donation!

This is a simple way to give back to our educators and support local businesses at the same time. Please help spread the word—share this opportunity with your school's parents, teachers, clubs, and community groups to boost your school's chances!

Thank you for supporting local and making a difference in our schools!

4/24: Hands-On Bushcraft Class For Kids at Yanahli Park

Join Maury County Parks & Recreation and Bearden Outdoor Adventures for a hands-on bushcraft class designed for kids ages 7 and up! During this program, participants will learn how to build a fire using native materials. We’ll gather tinder, kindling, and fuel logs and explore different techniques to build a successful fire.

This is a FREE program, however, we do request that you register here.

Ages: 7+ *Parent/Guardian (18+) must be present during program

Date: Thursday, April 24th | 10:00am

Location: Yanahli Park | Meet at Community Garden

Parking: There is limited parking available at the Yanahli Park Community Garden. If parking is full, please park at the Yanahli Park Archery Range or Yanahli Park Main Trailhead and walk over to the Community Garden.

Address: 922 Iron Bridge Rd. Columbia, TN 38401

Questions? Contact us at 931-375-6103 or [email protected] OR 931-215-1084 or [email protected]

Dress for the weather, wear comfy shoes, and bring plenty of water—nature is best enjoyed when you’re prepared!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, April 23rd

Mika Lynch, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, April 24th

Oliver Pigott, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Colonsay, Legacy Coffee, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Codetta South & Bronwen Fair, McCreary’s, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, April 25th

Beyond The Grove, Buck & Board, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Larry Gatlin, Gary Chapman & Regie Hamm, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM
WTFunk, McCreary’s, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Saturday, April 26th

Nick Bentley, Keg Springs Winery, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Kamber, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Cole Nichols & Austin Bohannon, 106 Pleasant St, Mt Pleasant, TN, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
615 Rewind, The Boondox, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, April 27th

The Sins, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk