Efforts are currently underway to revive the Columbia Dam project located on the Duck River. On April 21, 2025, the Maury County Commission cast a vote in favor of revitalizing the dam to meet the long-term water requirements of the region. The original Columbia Dam initiative was launched by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the early 1970s, with the goal of creating a multi-functional infrastructure that would provide flood control, a reliable water supply, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding communities.
Construction of the dam began in 1973, with the project designed to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents in Maury County and its neighboring areas. By the early 1980s, substantial progress had been achieved, with over 90% of the concrete structure completed and the overall project nearing 45% completion. However, in 1983, the construction was abruptly halted due to rising environmental concerns, particularly regarding the potential effects on endangered freshwater mussel populations. These ecological issues, combined with increasing costs and changing political priorities, ultimately led to the suspension of the project.
Following years of discussions and public discourse, the TVA made the decision to dismantle the incomplete dam. Demolition efforts commenced in 1999, with the TVA citing safety issues and the impracticality of finishing the project as the primary reasons for their decision. The dismantling process involved the removal of 26,000 cubic yards of concrete and the reshaping of the basin to restore its original condition. The total financial outlay for the project, encompassing both construction and demolition, reached approximately $85 million.
The cancellation of the Columbia Dam project had significant repercussions for the local community. Around 12,000 acres of land had been acquired for the intended reservoir, resulting in the displacement of families and the loss of agricultural land. In response to these changes, efforts were made to repurpose the land for public benefit. In 2002, the state of Tennessee transferred 12,600 acres to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), leading to the establishment of the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area.
Opposition to the dam revival has emerged in the form of a group called “Don’t Dam the Duck,” which aims to raise public awareness and advocate for alternative water solutions in Maury County. This organization argues that the proposed reservoir would diminish in size each winter, leaving behind 8,000 acres of mudflats. They also assert that half of the necessary land for the project remains privately owned