LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA — A $54 million project to transport water from the Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority (WCWSA) treatment plant in Chickamauga, Georgia, to the area south of the McLemore resort on Lookout Mountain is nearing completion. WCWSA officials addressed McLemore Cove residents at the Cedar Grove Community Center regarding the infrastructure project.

Residents expressed concern that the new water line would reduce local water pressure. Officials distributed a letter from Jeremiah Roberts, project manager at CTI Engineers, addressing concerns. Roberts stated, "The design for the Tatum Road to McLemore waterline and pump station has been completed in accordance with Georgia EPD minimum standards and ensures that the minimum required pressure of 20 psi is maintained throughout the distribution system under all flow conditions."

Project consultant Philip Schofield stated the infrastructure includes a 4-million gallon clearwell at the WCWSA water treatment plant in Chickamauga. A 24-inch water line was constructed from the Coke Ovens in Chickamauga to Mountain View Tank, and a 12-inch water line was extended along Tatum Road. The line terminates at a 1-million gallon storage tank on Highway 157 at the Walker County and Dade County line.

Required easements for the line extending up the mountain were obtained from the Beasley family. The new water tank will be operated by WCWSA to support the Dade County Water and Sewer Authority, which is negotiating water purchase agreements. Walker County government allocated $5 million in federal COVID-19 stimulus funds toward the project, and the remaining funding was secured through federal ARPA grants. Georgia Power plans to install a new electrical line for the pump station. Officials confirmed that road repairs along Tatum Road will be conducted following construction.