CULLMAN — The Cullman County Commission has officially applied for a permit to use Smith Lake as a secondary water source.

Members of the commission recently asked local mayors to come out in support of the plan by sending letters to lake operator Alabama Power.

“We just want another option,” associate commissioner Wayne Willingham said. “(Community support) most definitely would help with the application. We’ve had some individuals who have been receptive, even though it is a touchy issue.”

Willingham said the application was sent to Alabama Power in January, though it could be several months until a decision is made.

Associate commissioner Doug Williams said the application is an effort to consider all available water source options before going forward.

“It’s just one more arrow to put in the quiver,” he said.

Williams and Willingham have proposed a plan to construct a new treatment facility to pump water from Smith Lake, plus establish a regional water board to oversee water distribution.

 Commission Chairman James Graves, who is in favor of a different water plan, said he had not been informed of the grant application.

“I‘m not involved in the process of that and believe I have been left out intentionally,” he said. “I am for Duck River and opposed to their plan to go to Smith Lake.”

The City of Cullman is spearheading a plan to dam Duck River, which has been in the works for more than 20 years. The city plans to create a 640-acre lake and a six-mile pipeline with a 32-million-gallon-per-day capacity. The reservoir would be similar to the one at Lake Catoma, currently the area’s sole water source. City officials have announced plans to proceed with or without the county commission.

Currently, the commission is the city’s largest water customer and buys the bulk of their water from the Cullman Utilities Board.

Considering the scope of the Smith Lake project, Graves said he does not believe it is feasible for the county to proceed alone.

“I’ve said all along that it is better if we all go forward together and sign on to Duck River and share in the cost,” he said. “Financially, I don’t see how (the other commissioners) could get the bond market to approve an undertaking of this nature. It’s just beyond my comprehension on how this could go forward.”

Water rates are expected to increase regardless of which plan goes forward, though the increase would be less if the city and county worked together on the same endeavor.

Even though the commissioners have applied for a permit, there is no guarantee it will be approved. Alabama Power issued a statement last year on the matter, noting the utilities company has “no position.”

“Recent media reports have implied that Alabama Power favors the project and would work with the county to issue a permit,” Alabama Power Vice-president of Environmental Affairs Matthew W. Bowden said. “Please understand that Alabama Power has made no commitment whatsoever with respect to approving and permitting any proposed withdrawal or even requesting Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval of a water withdrawal from Smith Lake.”



Community reaction

Colony Mayor Morris Fitts said he was contacted by the commission to write a recommendation letter, though he has not decided if he will.

“We can’t decide yet,” he said. “We had a good debate about it and we want the best for the residents down here. We haven’t come to a conclusion yet on which one would have the cheapest rates yet.”

Kenneth Kilgo, mayor of West Point, said he is in favor of considering all options for a secondary water source.

“I support strictly filing for the permit, because I think it’s a good idea to consider all of the options,” he said. “I know Duck River has passed all the tests, but I also know it’s a slow process. The county could hear back on their permit from Alabama Power, and it could have stipulations or not be the best option — or it could be a good option. I don’t know.”

Most West Point residents receive water from the Vinemont, Anon and West Point (VAW) Water Authority, which has already signed a new contract with the city in support of Duck River.

“The VAW does a great job for us,” he said. “The county and the city are the decision makers in this, but I think we should look at all the options.”

Good Hope Mayor Corey Harbison said he remains undecided on the water issue.

“I’m torn on what to do,” he said. “My only concern is, if I did write a support letter, it would only be saying that I support looking into all available options — not that I’m necessarily in favor of one.”

Harbison said he sees the merit in both the Smith Lake and Duck River plans, but he just wants to do what is best for his town.

“I can see the county commissioner’s side that Smith Lake might be the best option for Cullman County, and I also see the city’s view that Duck River could be the best project for the city,” he said. “My question is can the county do their project without the city, and can the city do their project without the county?”

Though he is unsure of which project to support, Harbison said he does believe the county commission should have a seat at the city board that oversees water distribution.

“I would support a regional water board option, for the county to have some people on the board,” he said. “If they are going to be buying that much water, they should have a seat at the board.”

In speaking with residents in her town, Dodge City Mayor Tawana Canada said the general consensus is that Duck River would be the best move for the area.

“The people I’ve talked to just don’t believe [Smith Lake] is feasible,” she said. “Our residents are just worried that will increase our water bills.”

Garden City Mayor Harden Davis said he has not followed the water issue closely, but believes Duck River is the best option.

“My opinion is Duck River is going to be the most feasible way to go,” he said.

Fairview Mayor Randall Shedd said he is trying to stay neutral in the water debate. He added that he has not been contacted by the commission about the possibility of writing a support letter.

“We’re not really in the water business,” he said.

The Fairview area is currently served by the East Cullman Water System, which signed a new contract with the city in support of Duck River last year.

Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail said his city will hopefully remain unaffected as the water debate continues, as they use a local water source.

“I don’t really know if it affects Hanceville that much, since we do have our own well,” he said. “I see Hanceville building a new well in the future so we can have a back-up water source.”

Holly Pond Mayor Herman Nail and South Vinemont Mayor Melba Patton declined to comment on the water issue.



* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.