CUMBERLAND COUNTY MAYOR APPROVES WATER UTILITY MERGER
Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster announced that he has approved the merger of the South Cumberland Utility District into the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority following a public hearing.
The decision, which he signed into effect last night, expands the authority’s service to over 15,000 customers countywide, enhancing its ability to maintain infrastructure, plan for growth, secure grant funding, and handle emergencies while prioritizing reliable service and long-term affordability. This merger builds on the earlier consolidation with the Crab Orchard Utility District, underscoring the value of cooperation in addressing current and future water challenges, which have generational impacts on quality, reliability, and cost.
Mayor Foster expressed gratitude to the leadership of both utilities for their thoughtful and transparent approach, to the employees continuing to serve residents, and to the public for their participation in the hearing. He emphasized that reliable water service is essential to enabling residents to build their lives and pursue the American dream, and this step advances Cumberland County in that direction.
