The Cumberland Plateau Water Authority continues discussions with Crossville officials on a combined water supply, though little progress came from a recent meeting.
Authority Chair Greg Hanson said the authority’s recent meeting with Crossville officials went well. Hanson said Crossville has not jumped on board yet and is still looking into what an appropriate approach would be for a partnership.
“The only thing that is problematic at this point is how best for the water authority and the city to work together,” Hanson said. “So we are a long way from making any pronouncements with regards to whether we have a good path forward or whether that opportunity is dead but one way or the other five years from now the water authority is still gonna be here and still be in the water business.”
Hanson said if Crossville does decide to not partner with the authority, the mission of creating a long-term water supply would not be dead. Hanson said the water authority will meet again with city officials to further discuss a potential partnership.
Hanson said state entities have offered to come to meetings to help the water authority out.
“Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the comptroller’s office offered to come over to Crossville and meet with the Crossville city officials,” Hanson said. “And not just with staff and the mayor but maybe engage the city council during this next visit and talk about how they see things and what they believe the best path forward is.”
Hanson said the authority believes that both Crossville and the organization have the same goals.
“Everybody surely wants to see it move forward,” Hanson said. “It’s just a matter of getting some concepts down and getting back in the room to talk about what might work most effectively.”
Hanson said the authority will continue to try and find sources of water in the Cumberland Plateau that could be used in the future. Hanson said though not essential, Crossville would be an important partner for the authority’s mission to partner with all utility districts in Cumberland County.
