House Joint Resolution 726, sponsored by Warner, expresses strong support for the reconstruction of the Columbia Dam on the Duck River in Tennessee. Originally constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the late 1960s, the dam was halted due to legal challenges from environmental groups and was ultimately demolished in the late 1990s. The resolution highlights the negative impacts of the dam's removal, including increased flooding, loss of farmland, and inadequate water supply for the growing population in Middle Tennessee. It emphasizes the need for the dam to work in tandem with the existing Normandy Dam to fulfill TVA's obligations for flood control, water supply, and navigation.
The resolution underscores the importance of the Columbia Dam reconstruction for long-term water resource management, economic development, and recreational use in the region. It acknowledges the necessity of complying with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations governing dam reconstruction. By passing this resolution, the State of Tennessee aims to prioritize the establishment of a sustainable water supply system to support the needs of its residents and industries.