Legislative Findings — Alternative Source Analysis — Long-Term Plan for Development of Viable Sources of Water for Watershed
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The general assembly finds that:
The Duck River is approximately two hundred sixty-nine (269) miles long, and is the longest river in Tennessee that is totally contained within the state;
The watershed for the Duck River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America containing over one hundred fifty (150) species of fish, more species than the entire continent of Europe;
Over two hundred thousand (200,000) Tennesseans rely on the Duck River for drinking water;
The long-term viability of the Duck River may be impacted by increased utilization of its water for human consumption and agricultural purposes;
A dependable source of water for human consumption and agricultural purposes is essential to the health, safety and welfare of the persons who live in the Duck River watershed, as well as the economic vitality of the region; and
Increasing the use of the waters of the Duck River for human consumption and agricultural purposes may impact the health of the river and the ability of the river to support fish and aquatic life and to be a source of recreation for the citizens of the state.
Consistent with the findings in subsection (a), the Duck River development agency is authorized and directed to undertake an alternative source analysis with the goal of establishing a long-term plan for the development of viable sources of water for the citizens of the Duck River watershed. The options to be considered by the alternative source analysis shall include pipelines to the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, the enlargement of existing impoundments, the development of new impoundments and other options that merit consideration as determined by the Duck River development agency. The alternative source analysis shall include the infrastructure required, the estimated costs and the feasibility of funding alternative source projects through bonds issued by the Duck River development agency supported by revenues generated from the sales of water. In conducting the alternative source study, the Duck River development agency shall seek input and cooperation from the Tennessee advisory commission on intergovernmental relations, local water districts and authorities, the department of environment and conservation, the Tennessee Valley authority, the army corps of engineers and other agencies, organizations and persons as the agency deems appropriate. The first alternative source analysis shall be set forth in a written report to be delivered to the speakers of the senate and the house of representatives by March 1, 2011, with copies sent to all legislators whose districts are wholly or partially within the Duck River watershed area. The alternative source analysis shall be updated annually by a report delivered to the speakers of the senate and the house of representatives by March 1 of each year beginning in 2012, with copies to all legislators whose districts are wholly or partially within the Duck River watershed area.