History

The search for an alternative water source for the Cullman County region began in the 1990s. Officials from the City of Cullman, the Cullman County Commission, and the Morgan County Commission formed the Cullman Morgan Water District to research the issue and to determine the best plan of action. The following timeline covers the entire history of this project and what has occurred since its inception.

1993
  • The original study is financed by a $5 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The grant is justified because of the poultry industry and agriculture. The study is conducted by the Nashville Division of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
  • The original study, which cost $125,000, identifies a dam on Duck River as the best alternative based on cost and supply.
  • A nine member local group, the Cullman Morgan Water District, is formed to consider alternatives and to make final recommendations.
    This group included:
    • Chairman of the Cullman County Commission
    • Mayor of the City of Cullman
    • District 3 Morgan County Commissioner
    • Three Appointees by the County (including one from the independent water systems)
    • Three Appointees by the City
1994
  • A second study, also paid through the ARC grant, is conducted by the Corp of Engineers, along with assistance from two engineering firms – Almon and Associates and St. John and Associates. The second study, which cost $150,000, validates the Duck River Alternative as the best choice for the region.
1996
  • An application for a dam on the Duck River was submitted to the Corps of Engineers.
  • The Cullman Morgan Water District begins preparation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Duck River Project.
1998
  • Cullman County Commission votes to join the City of Cullman in sponsoring the Duck River Reservoir Project along with VAW, East Cullman, Walter, Johnson Crossing, and the City of Cullman Water Systems.
1999
  • Environmental Assessment is completed and submitted to the Mobile District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
2000
  • February, the Mobile District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues a 404 Permit for the Duck River Reservoir Project.
  • April, the American Canoe Association sues the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, alleging that they had permitted the Duck River Reservoir Project without conducting enough environmental studies. The plaintiff's side is joined by the Alabama Rivers Alliance, Friends of the Mulberry Fork, and WildLaw Alabama.
2003
  • In August 2003, a federal judge rules that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit for the dam is vacated.  She states that need for this project has been justified, but the Corp of Engineers needed to provide more information on the following 3 areas:
    • Downstream Effects
    • Cumulative Impacts
    • Water Quality
  • The Cullman Utilities Board hired the engineering firm CH2M Hill to begin addressing the concerns that were identified.
2004
  • A 162-page Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Duck River Project is released that addresses the concerns of the August 2003 judge's ruling
2006
  • In November 2006, The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers re-issues the 404 Permit for construction of the Duck River Dam and Reservoir.
2007
  • In August 2007, the Alabama Rivers Alliance (ARA) files a new lawsuit in federal court. The ARA expressed concern about the dam's impact on the community, quality of life, and recreation.
2009
  • March, the judge considered all information and dismisses the lawsuit which upholds 404 Permit and gives the Cullman Utilities Board permission to move forward with the Duck River Project.
  • November, the Utility Board authorizes the Corps of Engineers to move forward with updating of Plans and Specs for Phase I construction of the Duck River Project. Phase I consists of clearing and grubbing, foundation preparation and grouting, and the determination of quantities of construction materials at borrow sites.
  • November, the City of Cullman Water Department, Walter Water Authority, East Cullman Water Authority, and Johnsons Crossing Water Authority all sign 30 year contracts to purchase water from the City of Cullman in support of the Duck River Reservoir Project
  • December, the VAW Water Authority signs a 30 year contract to purchase water from the City of Cullman in support of the Duck River Reservoir Project.
  • December, the VAW Water Authority, City of Cullman Water Department, Walter Water Authority, East Cullman Water Authority, Johnsons Crossing Water Authority all send letters to Congressman Robert Aderholt in support of appropriation requests for the Duck River Reservoir Project. 
  • Alabama Poultry and Egg Association sends a support letter.
  • Cullman County Medical Society vote unanimously to support the Duck River Project.
2010
  • March, the Cullman County Farmers Federation votes to support the Duck River Reservoir Project.