• What's Up Columbia!
  • Posts
  • County Leaders Support $3 Million State Funding Request for Columbia Dam Study

County Leaders Support $3 Million State Funding Request for Columbia Dam Study

Issue #736

May 26, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 85, low of 68

📰 County Leaders Support $3 Million State Funding Request for Columbia Dam Study

🤠 5/28-30: Music City Rodeo at Bridgestone Arena

🗓 List of Upcoming Events - Just Updated!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

County Leaders Support $3 Million State Funding Request for Columbia Dam Study

The Maury County Commission voted 16-1 to support a request for $3 million in state funding for a feasibility study on the proposed Columbia Dam project. The resolution marks another show of support for the idea, joining similar endorsements from nearby cities and counties across the region.

Supporters of the project, including representatives from Columbia Dam Now, say a reservoir on the Duck River could provide a major long-term water source for Middle Tennessee while also helping with flood control, drought management and economic development. Backers pointed to studies showing the potential for large recreational and tourism impacts similar to other Tennessee lakes.

However, environmental officials and critics raised concerns about the cost and environmental impact of the project. State officials told commissioners the dam proposal has already been reviewed by multiple agencies and was considered one of the least practical and most expensive options for future water supply planning. Estimates presented during discussions ranged from roughly $3 billion to as much as $7 billion when environmental mitigation and land acquisition costs are included.

Opponents also warned about possible damage to sensitive portions of the Duck River ecosystem, including mussel habitats and conservation areas. Despite those concerns, county leaders supporting the resolution argued that with Maury County continuing to grow and drought conditions already affecting the region, all long-term water supply options should remain on the table.

Read full coverage of this story from Main Street Maury here.

5/28-30: Music City Rodeo at Bridgestone Arena

Music City Rodeo brings world-class PRCA championship rodeo to the heart of Nashville. For three unforgettable nights, Bridgestone Arena transforms into the ultimate western experience, combining the thrill of professional rodeo competition with performances from country music's biggest stars.

Each night delivers non-stop action: watch the world's best cowboys and cowgirls compete for over $250,000 in prize money across seven championship events, then stay for a full headline concert. It's two incredible experiences in one unforgettable night.

Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or experiencing it for the first time, Music City Rodeo delivers an authentic western experience in the heart of Music City. Join over 50,000 fans across three nights for Nashville's newest and most exciting tradition.

PRCA Sanctioned: Official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association championship event featuring the world's top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls competing for prize money and standings points.

Rodeo + Concert: Your ticket includes BOTH championship rodeo action AND a full headline concert. Two incredible experiences, one unforgettable night.

Friday: Miranda Lambert
Saturday: Charley Crockett
Sunday: Jon Pardi

Doors open at 5 PM, Rodeo starts at 6:30 PM, Live music starts around 9 PM

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, May 27th

Thursday, May 28th

Friday, May 29th 

Saturday, May 30th

Sunday, May 31st

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, May 28

Punk Rock Beer Market - Twisted Copper, 5–10 PM
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM
Hannah Caffey - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, May 29

James Gregory - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Peedy Chavis - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Six String Revolver - The Boondox, 8 PM
Brandon Bartley - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, May 30

The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12–6 PM
Carson-Phillips - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Mt Pleasant Music on the Porch Series - 206 Pleasant St, 6–9 PM
The Alderson Jazz Collective - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery
Patrick McCormick - Twisted Copper, 7–10 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Herrick Duo - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Scotty Morton Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30–10 PM
Copper & Lead - The Boondox, 8 PM
MFT - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, May 31

Maddie Rose - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Brett Stocstill - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill - Spring Hill, 2–5 PM

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