The Cumberland and Mississippi rivers both play a major role in the US economy and in our cultural heritage. But, while they are both iconic rivers, they do not connect to each other in any way. There are numerous attempts to link them, such as the Tenn-Tom Waterway, but none of these projects have ever been completed, and currently there is no physical connection between the two rivers.
The Cumberland River is the second-longest tributary of the Ohio River and carries the water of a vast number of the states’ rivers and streams from the Appalachian Mountains. It begins at the confluence of the North and South branches of the Holston River, which gathers water from Virginia, North Carolina, East Tennessee, and Kentucky. The Cumberland travels for 688 miles to the confluence with the Ohio River at Smithland, Kentucky./>
The Mississippi River is the second longest river system in the United States, stretching for 2,340 miles. It is formed at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers near St. Louis and ends at the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans. The Mississippi and its tributaries drain all or part of 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces, and is home to many species of migratory birds, fish, and aquatic plant life.
The idea of creating a link between the two rivers has been around since the late 1850s. Back then, a group called the Tombigbee and Wolf Rivers Association proposed a canal system to link the Cumberland and the Mississippi. The plan didn’t gain much traction and was abandoned, but during the Depression-era, another plan to link the two was proposed: the Tenn-Tom waterway. This proposed waterway would have run from the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Mississippi to the Tennessee River near Pickwick Lake in Tennessee. This plan didn’t gain any traction either and its construction has not been pursued.
In recent years, the Tenn-Tom Waterway has been the focus of extensive lobbying and research by business, tourism, and environmental groups. While the Tenn-Tom Waterway could provide great economic benefits to the region, such as providing jobs, expanding recreational opportunities, and increasing fishing and hunting access, it has been met with resistance due to its potential impacts on local ecosystems. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the estuary of the river would need to be modified in order to accommodate the canal, and this could disrupt the habitat of various local species. Additionally, the construction of the canal could put extra strain on the existing ecosystem in both the Cumberland and Mississippi rivers, further stressing the fragile balance of the two river systems.
The idea of connecting the Cumberland and the Mississippi will likely remain a dream of environmentalists, engineers, and entrepreneurs alike for the foreseeable future. Despite the potential economic and recreational benefits of doing so, the potential environmental impacts of the project make it unlikely that construction will ever begin on the Tenn-Tom Waterway. However, that doesn’t mean that this part of the US won’t continue to profit from having two of the nation’s great rivers form part of its landscape.
How do Rivers Create Economic Opportunity?
Rivers can provide a number of economic opportunities for the communities and regions they flow through. The most notable benefit of rivers is their potential for providing access to valuable resources such as water for agriculture, leisure activities, and industry. Rivers can also be used for transportation and to generate electricity through hydropower. Additionally, rivers can provide a sense of community for people living in the area and offer recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
Rivers also have a unique ability to shape the landscape of the region. The many bends and tributaries of rivers can create a variety of topographical features, like oxbows and flora and fauna which can attract tourists, create jobs, and generate profits through recreational activities like fishing and canoeing.
The economic opportunities associated with rivers are not lost on the many people and organizations who are working to protect them. A healthy river encourages recreational activities and enhances the overall quality of life of the surrounding community. It also provides economic benefits through more efficient transportation between communities, improved agricultural productivity, and increased access to water resources. In addition, rivers can contribute to the health and well-being of a community by providing educational opportunities, encouraging leisure activities, and promoting healthy land use practices.
Championing the protection and conservation of rivers has been a longstanding tradition of many states and countries. For example, Virginia has long been a leader in river conservation, with initiatives such as the Chesapeake River Commission, which is working to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay from pollution, and the Virginia Rivers Advisory Council, which promotes public understanding of watersheds and offers resources for landowners, policy makers, and educators about water protection.
Environmental Impacts of a Connected Cumberland and Mississippi River
Aside from the economic benefits that a connected Cumberland and Mississippi River might offer, it is important to consider the potential environmental impacts of the project. Changes to the landscape to accommodate the waterway could disrupt local ecosystems, leading to soil erosion and the introduction of invasive species. Additionally, modifications to the estuaries of both rivers could damage existing habitats and disrupt existing species by making it easier for saltwater species to move upstream. Along with this, the influx of saltwater could affect the salinity of the rivers, impacting the fish and other species that live there.
Another potential environmental impact of a connected Cumberland and Mississippi River is the spread of pollutants. The industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage that can be found in the streams and rivers which feed the Mississippi and Cumberland could, in theory, be carried downstream to the Tenn-Tom waterway and further spread, potentially polluting even larger tracts of land and water.
An additional concern of environmentalists is the potential role of climate change in this ambitious project. The extreme weather and flooding that has resulted from climate change could make the project difficult to sustain and could also cause significant damage to the natural environment of the region. Additionally, there is the potential that higher temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns could increase evaporation rates and reduce water levels, making the link between the two rivers difficult to maintain.
Legal Challenges to the Construction of the Tenn-Tom Waterway
Aside from environmental and economic concerns, there are also legal issues associated with the construction of the Tenn-Tom waterway. A number of federal laws must be taken into account in order to ensure that the project is carried out in an environmentally sound manner.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires a full Environmental Impact Study to be conducted prior to any major federal undertaking. This includes the proposed Tenn-Tom waterway. The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) would look at the potential impacts of the project on the environment, including potential consequences of the waterway for air and water quality, biodiversity, and land use.
In addition to a full Environmental Impact Study, an individual or organization wishing to build the Tenn-Tom waterway must also obtain several other permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other permitting authorities. These permits will outline the necessary steps that must be taken to ensure that the project is carried out in a environmentally responsible manner.
Additionally, the project must also conform to the requirements of the Clean Water Act and other relevant statutes. The Clean Water Act, in particular, seeks to bring US waters into “fishable and swimmable” levels, and can provide guidance for ensuring that the Tenn-Tom waterway does not have a negative effect on the water quality of the two rivers.
Alternatives to a Physical Connection between the Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers
Recognizing that a complete physical connection between the Cumberland and Mississippi rivers may not be feasible at this time, there are other options available to promote economic development, tourism, and recreational activity in the region.
For instance, projects focused on improving the quality of the rivers, such as removing accumulated debris or sediment, can create jobs and make the rivers more navigable. In addition, projects that improve the access to the rivers, such as improved boat ramps and marinas, can encourage recreational activities and increase the amount of visitors to the area.
Finally, regional organizations and businesses can also take steps to promote public awareness of the importance of the rivers and their role in providing local economic benefits. This could include initiatives focused on educating the public about the importance of the rivers in terms of recreational activities, scientific research, and aesthetics.
While a physical connection between the Cumberland and Mississippi rivers is not currently a viable option, there are numerous ways that the region can benefit from its natural resources in the absence of such a connection. These projects and initiatives can help create jobs and enhance recreation and tourism opportunities in the area without having to undertake a significant, potentially environmentally damaging, project.
