21 Apr 2026

USACE Nashville District manages low lake levels despite ongoing drought

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is executing minimum water releases across the Cumberland River Basin to mitigate low lake elevations caused by a lack of spring rainfall. Water managers are balancing the need to retain water for summer pool levels while meeting hydropower and navigation requirements. Starting in May, decreased hydropower demands will allow the district to reduce water releases by 30% to slow the rate of falling lake levels. Major reservoirs, including Wolf Creek, Dale Hollow, Center Hill and J. Percy Priest, are currently at their lowest mid-April elevations in years. The district advises boaters to exercise caution as lower water levels expose hazards like rocks and snags. Boaters should stay within designated channels and always wear a life jacket.

15 Apr 2026

USACE Nashville District seeks public input on Pigeon River Flood Study

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, invites the public to a meeting on Wednesday, May 6, at Waynesville Town Hall to share ideas for the Pigeon River Flood Risk Management Study. This multi-year study, conducted in partnership with the towns of Canton, Clyde, and Waynesville, as well as Haywood County and the Southwestern Commission, seeks to identify effective solutions to reduce flood risk and improve community resilience. All community members are encouraged to attend and share their firsthand accounts of flooding to help find the best way to protect homes, businesses, and public safety in the watershed.

19 Mar 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks public comments on potential future changes to the nationwide permits

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced on March 16 that it is seeking input from all interested parties on ways to increase the efficiency of the nationwide permit program. Nationwide permits authorize activities that are similar in nature and cause no more than minimal adverse environmental impacts to jurisdictional aquatic resources separately or on a cumulative basis. Activities range from work associated with aids to navigation and utility lines to residential developments and maintenance activities.

25 Feb 2026

J. Percy Priest Dam requires daily road closures March 9-13

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 25, 2026) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announces Bell Road across J. Percy Priest Dam will temporarily close 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday from March 9-13, 2026.

23 Feb 2026

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works announces 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative for Army’s Civil Works Program

WASHINGTON (Feb. 23, 2026) – Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam R. Telle announced today a major initiative, “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork,” for the Army’s Civil Works program.

13 Feb 2026

USACE awards Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project’s final contract

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 13, 2026) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announces the award of the Approach Wall and Decommissioning Contract yesterday to C.J. Mahan Construction Company LLC. This is the final contract to complete the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project at Tennessee River mile 471 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

8 Jan 2026

Cordell Hull Dam tailwater area closes for bluff stabilization project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins the next phase of a bluff scaling project at Cordell Hull Dam on Jan. 12, 2026, closing the tailwater restroom and fishing walkway for approximately one year. This project involves removing loose rock and vegetation from the bluff to mitigate public safety hazards. While these specific areas are closed, other facilities at the Right Bank Tailwater Recreation Area, including the boat ramp, playground, and picnic shelter, remain open. Officials anticipate the closed areas will reopen in January 2027 or as soon as the work is complete.

8 Jan 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces publication of 2026 nationwide permits

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today the publication of the 2026 nationwide permits in the Federal Register. The 56 reissued and one new nationwide permit in the final action are necessary for work in streams, wetlands and other waters of the United States under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.

7 Jan 2026

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces finalization of nationwide permits

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will reissue 56 existing nationwide permits and issue one new permit for work in wetlands and other waters that are regulated by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. One existing permit will not be reissued.

6 Jan 2026

Public workshops set for Old Hickory Lake’s shoreline management plan update

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is holding two public workshops to seek input on the Old Hickory Lake Shoreline Management Plan update. The meetings will take place on Jan. 13, 2026, in Mt. Juliet and Jan. 14, 2026, in Gallatin. These workshops allow the public to propose improvements to the 2020 plan, with proposed changes including new requirements for community docks and shoreline erosion control methods. A draft of the plan is available for review, and the Corps is accepting public comments. Written comments must be submitted by Feb. 13, 2026, to be considered.