Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster and Crossville Mayor R.J. Crawford are urging residents to vote “yes” on the upcoming November 3rd referendum regarding a proposed merger with the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority (CPWA).

In a joint video and public statement, the mayors emphasized that the decision is a crucial, generational step toward securing a reliable, long-term water source for the region while combating soaring utility rate hikes. Mayor Crawford noted that the city has faced massive rate increases—including a recent 25% hike and potential future increases—making resource-sharing and economies of scale a necessity.

The push comes on the heels of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announcing the new Plateau Water Planning Partnership (PWPP). This multi-agency task force—modeled after the Duck River project and involving state, federal, and university partners—aims to study regional water needs, protect natural resources, and unlock state and federal funding.

Addressing public concerns and social media misinformation, Mayor Foster clarified that the referendum does not finalize a merger, but rather gives the city council the green light to continue the consolidation process through future resolutions. Both leaders stressed that water assets belong to the rate payers rather than any single political entity, pointing to the historical success of regional electric cooperatives like the Volunteer Energy Cooperative (VEC) as a model for modern utility management.