October 20, 2026 in Local, Top Stories

NEW STATE PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED TO SECURE UPPER CUMBERLAND WATER SUPPLY

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is launching the Plateau Water Planning Partnership (PWPP) at the request of House Speaker Cameron Sexton and local officials. Designed to protect and sustain regional water resources, the initiative will address the current and future water needs of the Upper Cumberland Plateau, anchored by Crossville and Cumberland County.
The collaborative effort will bring together community leaders, water utilities, businesses, higher education institutions, and conservation organizations. The partnership aims to balance economic growth and water user demands with the ecological health of local river systems and natural aquatic habitats.

Key Responsibilities of the PWPP

  • Comprehensive Planning: Develop regional water supply recommendations for local officials, state agencies, and legislators.
  • Policy Advisory: Recommend actions to promote water system regionalization, drought resilience, habitat conservation, and water loss reduction.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate broad community participation across water utilities, industries, and conservation groups.

Upcoming Milestones

  • December 10, 2026: TDEC and Speaker Sexton name partnership members.
  • January 15, 2027: Official PWPP kickoff meeting.
  • November 22, 2027: Final report and recommendations delivered to state and local leaders.

The Plateau Water Planning Partnership (PWPP) will bring together a diverse group of members from government, higher education, economic development, and conservation sectors, specifically representing:

  • City of Crossville Mayor

  • Cumberland County Mayor

  • Tennessee House of Representatives representative

  • Tennessee State Senate representative

  • Comptroller’s Office (Division of Local Government Finance) representative

  • Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) representative

  • Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development and/or Upper Cumberland Development District representative

  • Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency representative

  • Tennessee Department of Agriculture representative

  • The Nature Conservancy Tennessee Chapter representative

  • Cumberland River Compact representative

  • Tennessee Technological University representative

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CONTACT INFORMATION

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105.7 The HOG / Spirit 101.9/ 93.3 The Ranch
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37 South Drive
Crossville, TN 38555

Phone: 931-484-1057
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