(The Center Square) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee appointed 19 people to serve on the new Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership just days after announcing a $100 billion investment in the longest river located entirely in the state.
The panel members include elected officials in cities and counties along the river, representatives from state agencies and others from the utility, conservation and community development sectors.
Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, and Rep. Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville, represent the General Assembly on the panel.
Lee said the $100 million in the “proposed state budget is to execute a comprehensive regional water resource plan to ensure long-term water needs are met while protecting the ecological health of the Duck River.”
“The Duck River is a scenic, natural treasure,” Lee said in his State of the State address. “It’s also the sole water source for more than 250,000 Tennesseans who live in one of the fastest growing regions in the country.”
Lee created the partnership in an executive order issued in November. The order also requires the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to work with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to find other “priority” watersheds in the state.
The Harpeth Conservancy has praised Lee’s actions to preserve the river, which is said to be one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world. The organization’s mission is “to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee,” according to its website. CEO Grace Stranch is on the new panel.
“The Duck River is one of Tennessee’s most precious natural resources, and its future depends on thoughtful, science-based planning,” Stranch said in a social media statement. “I’m honored to contribute to this effort and work alongside partners who are committed to ensuring clean water and a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.”
