August 02, 2026

Meeting Summary: Middle Chattahoochee Council April 8, 2026

Meeting Summary

Middle Chattahoochee Regional Water Council Columbus Water Works

April 8, 2026

Welcome & Introductions

Mark Masters (GWPPC) welcomed everyone and thanked participants for attending. Mark had the Council members and observers introduce themselves.

Jeremy Cummings (Columbus Water Works) welcomed everyone to the space. He shared his appreciation for the work of the Middle Chattahoochee Council and shared updates on the last year at Columbus Water Works. They are planning on building a new wastewater treatment plant to address aging infrastructure and increased inflow. In addition, they will have to address PFAS. They are working on how to fund the above projects without over burdening rate payers.

Mark reviewed the agenda and objectives for the day’s meeting. He shared links to the recent water planning webinar series and updated the council on the promotional videos being produced for each council – the Middle Chattahoochee video was completed and posted on the council webpage.

Chair’s Report

Chairman Davis was unable to attend the meeting so Vice-Chair Harry Lang welcomed everyone to the meeting.

EPD Updates

Tim Fields (GAEPD) presented updates from the 2026 Seed Grant Application period, which ended on October 31, 2025. One seed grant was awarded in the region to Heard County Water Authority: “Strategic Water Supply Plan.”

Tim also provided an update on progress of the changes to the State Water Plan, with major changes in Section 14 for council numbers, composition, and term length. It is currently with the Governor awaiting signature.

Implementation Assessment

Caitlin Sweeney provided a progress update on the implementation assessment for the Middle Chattahoochee Region. At the end of the presentation Vice Chairman Lang called for council volunteers to review the assessments. The reports will be finalized by June 2026.

Volunteers: Victoria Barrett and John Asbell

Data Center Discussion

Data centers have been a topic of interest across councils and members had an open discussion that covered the following topics:

  • Potential revenue opportunity from data centers in Columbus since mills have closed and they have large capital projects in the works (see introduction)
    • Discussed potential pros and cons and what information should be considered
  • There is a data center in LaGrange that will use evaporative cooling
  • Council has noticed data center development interest has moved south in the state – it was concentrated in Atlanta
  • Council expressed an interested in developing a statement for the DRI process – but want to make sure that it is well researched. The council may consider forming a sub-group to monitor data center projects
    • John Asbell as contact

ACF Dredging Update

James Hathorn and Heather Bulgur (USACE) gave an update on the ACF dredging in the Apalachicola and Chattahoochee Rivers. They are evaluating what it would take to get water quality certification for dredging and held a public meeting in Bristol, FL for the project. The next step is developing environmental impact statement. They shared the project website (https://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Program-and-Project-Management/Civil-Projects/ACF-Dredging-Project/) where people could find additional information.

Below is a summary of the Q&A discussion:

Question: Are there updates on the lock and dam?

Response: Repairs have been made and sediment removed. Work is continuing. Question: what is the anticipated timeline on the dredging project?

Response: unknown right now- waiting to know if they’ll get the environmental certification and then see if they’ll get funding

Question: What does success look like for the dredging project? What are your concerns?

Response: Minimize environmental impact of the project and being able to support navigation during the season with minimal changes to current storage. A challenge will include placement site and mitigation.

Question: Will dredging and channel depth affect water storage upstream? Response: USACE is working on that information

Question/comment: Curious about the public’s ability to interpret this information from a water quality or economic standpoint

Question: Is there an entity looking at maximizing this opportunity Response: Tri-Rivers

Question: How are things looking droughtwise?

Response: It is continuing to be dry; the reservoirs are low and not forecasted to improve. If things don’t improve, might trigger drought operations by June 1.

Links for engagement or more information:

Planning Priorities Discussion

Laura Rack (GWPPC) led the council and observers in a 2-part priorities discussion to prepare for the upcoming review and revision of the regional water plan.

Council members discussed three questions during the first part of the exercise:

  • Over the past 10–15 years, what are the most important

    changes you’ve observed in the management of water supply and water quality in this region?

  • When you think about the Middle Chattahoochee region 20 years from now, what does “success” look like for our water resources?
  • What water-related issues will have the greatest influence on the region’s ability to grow and thrive over the next five to ten years?

Council members noted the improvement in collection, availability, and use of data in decision making in the past 10-15 years and there was an impact from the water wars on the region. Council members also saw more collaboration between agencies (regulatory, utilities, community) on plans and education. In addition, the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper has made a big impact on water quality, and the river has become a big recreational attraction. West Point Lake has had consistently higher levels.

Looking into the future, council members expressed the importance of trying to balance enough water to supply economic growth while managing storage and preserving the quality and beauty of the river. Council members expressed the need for coordination with Alabama and Florida and regional connections. A focus on water quality was brought up as important for recreation and supply, and a need for non-point source management. Council members expressed a need for increased advocacy and education around the quality and quantity of water. In addition, council members expressed the importance of innovation in technology and resources that can help reduce water treatment costs.

During the second part of the priorities discussion council members discussed what they wanted to see more of or done differently in water planning. The council discussed information or actions that could improve the effectiveness of the council for the region. Council members expressed interest in gaining a better understanding of the issues, needs, and priorities in the region with the lens of metropolitan and rural areas. They also expressed an interest in collaborating with other councils to share best practices for the councils and what an engagement plan for council members could look like.

Council members also discussed other topics to address in the upcoming plan review and revision. There was interest in a SWOT analysis for the region, exploring regionalization to fill some of the resource gaps in rural areas, expanding interstate cooperation for water resources, and continued use and development of technology to address challenges.

Public Comment

No public comments were made.

Next Steps

Mark Masters (GWPPC) shared the conference and registration link for the ACF Waters Conference April 28-30, 2026 and noted that dredging and data centers will be discussed at the conference. Mark also let council members know that GWPPC and the councils are standing by for the appointment process pending a signature from the Governor.

Adjourn

Vice Chairman Lang thanked everyone for their attendance and participation.


 

Council Members Attending April 8, 2026 Meeting

Matt Windom* John Asbell Ed Moon Victoria Barrett

Steve Trammel

Jeremy Cummings (nominee)

Harry Lange Gardiner Garrard Ken Van Horn Jason Clifton James Emery

 

Other Attendees

Mark Masters (GWPPC) 

Caitlin Sweeney (GWPPC) 

Laura Rack (GWPPC) 

Kristin Rowles (GWPPC)* 

Kelli-Ann Schrage (GAEPD)* 

Tim Fields (GAEPD)

Parris Maguire (GAEPD) Helen Tran (GEFA)

Vanisha Strahota (Chattahoochee Riverkeeper)

Alan Rothschild (Chattahoochee Riverkeeper)

Allison Slocum (River Valley Regional Commission)

Blaine Hoskins (River Valley Regional Commission)

Laura Schneider (River Valley Regional Commission)

Luke Crosson (UGA Extension)*

Shawn Elllison (Unified Government of Cusseta Chattahoochee County)

Joshua Sikes (Unified Government of Cusseta Chattahoochee County)

*By videoconference

 

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