Duck River moves along

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July 5, 2011

The Cullman Times Tue Jul 05, 2011, 11:02 AM CDT

CULLMAN — Encouraging news came from the Duck River watershed last week as the first purchases of land for the new water source were made.

The project was entangled in environmental lawsuits for just under a decade, so the first purchases represent a truly significant milestone. Two of the 110 parcels necessary for construction of the dam and 640-acre lake were purchased last week. There are 21 parcels needed for the first phase of the project to get under way.

Engineers are already mapping the proposed pipeline to carry water from the lake, with the ideal route running parallel to U.S. Highway 278. For Cullman County, this is great news both on the home owner and business fronts.

The area suffered through a prolonged drought not long ago. Establishing the additional water source for the public is important as an effort to ensure that life will not grind to a halt during a prolonged drought. The secondary water source at least gives the area a chance to better withstand such conditions. Economic development officials are also pleased to see the project move forward. The assurance of additional water is important for new and expanding industries throughout the area. Without Duck River, efforts in the future to encourage new industrial growth could be hampered.

The city utilities board is also involved in negotiations with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Cullman Electric Cooperative to relocate two electrical power stations in the proposed construction zone. Hopefully, this situation will move smoothly forward for the sake of the community.

And at some point in the coming months, local officials need to revisit a plan to create a watershed management board. That effort was stopped in the Legislature because time ran out to have it carefully considered. The board is important because it would allow the 10-member water management group to form a water management plan and to eventually own the new lake. Put simply, the new water source would belong to the area.

Plans should move forward for Duck River and the formation of the water management board. The long-term result should mean a more reliable water source and fewer politics.

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