SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WKRN) — The results of a new study have been revealed regarding the possibility of building a new pipeline through the Duck River, but the price tag comes at a hefty cost.

Spring Hill leaders are actively working to find long-term solutions for the future water supply.

Back in January, Spring Hill partnered with Maury Co. Water, Columbia Power and Water, and Mt. Pleasant to fund a feasibility study looking at the possibility of building a pipeline from the Cumberland River to northern Maury County. The results of the study were discussed tonight during the non-voting work session of Spring Hill's Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.

The results of that study show the new pipeline being built comes at a potential cost of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion. And that cost is estimated if construction began today.

Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer told News 2 the city would not be able to afford the capital needed to construct the water line on its own.

But ultimately, the Fitterer said city leaders will discuss whether the solution is worth what it means for taxpayers.

The price for the water line means taxpayers would see a sharp spike in their water bills. However, the mayor said the report is only in the discussion phase and still has to go through several steps before being pushed forward.

Fitterer said since multiple agencies and municipalities are involved in this, the results will need to be reviewed, permits issued and ultimately would end with a design or bidding process before construction were to begin. He said the results of the study offer a few different construction options, including two different water lines that could work for the Duck River: two dual 40-inch lines or a single 54-inch line.

"Whether you build the dual 40-inch or the single 54-inch, there's a cost difference," Fitterer said. "The material the pipe is made out of has a cost difference. Whether you depreciate the assets over an 80-year period or a 100-year period, there's a cost difference."

Fitterer said even though the Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed the results on Monday night, this is not the only option being discussed regarding water solutions.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership has been evaluating solutions to the region’s long-term water supply, including pipelines. And recommendations on the study will head to the governor's office later this year for review.

"Is this technically feasible?" Fitterer asked. "Yes, it is. Is it constructable? Yes, it is. Are there any showstoppers as far as environmental concerns? None of them have been identified at this time. What is the cost of doing it? They’re significant."

Spring Hill leaders said they plan on continuing their efforts to find feasible solutions that will benefit their residents.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/results-from-duck-river-study-on-potential-new-pipeline-show-a-price-tag-of-almost-2-billion/