According to a report by the Crossville Chronicle, on Tuesday night, the West Cumberland Utility District (WCUD) board voted 4-0-1 to accept the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority’s (CPWA) merger proposal, concluding 11 months of discussions, exploration of alternatives, and delays.

The merger documents are now being sent to Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster for review. If he determines they are in order, Foster will conduct a public hearing to assess whether the merger serves the best interests and welfare of the county. Should he approve it, further procedures will follow, leading to an established effective date for the merger.

Upon completion, WCUD will join Crab Orchard Utility District and South Cumberland Utility District under the CPWA umbrella, with South Cumberland’s own merger public hearing scheduled for Thursday.