Infrastructure at Risk: It’s a Dam Shame Tennessee’s Falling Behind

Tennessee has always been a leader in energy and infrastructure. Projects like TVA dams powered communities and protected against floods, while Oak Ridge shaped the future of technology. But today, it’s a dam shame that our infrastructure is crumbling. Over 1,300 dams, many over 50 years old, are struggling to handle modern weather. TVA and TDEC have flagged many dams in need of repair, yet we continue investing in highway expansions and toll lanes, neglecting our failing flood control systems. The Waverly Flood: A Preventable Tragedy The 2021 Waverly flood illustrates this failure. Seventeen inches of rain in 24 hours led to a catastrophic surge through Trace Creek. CSX railroad, which had long known the flood risks, failed to act. As a result, 20 lives were lost, homes were swept away, and $100 million in damages occurred. Many families still haven’t recovered. This disaster highlights how vulnerable our infrastructure is to extreme weather and the urgent need for corporate accountability. If companies like CSX aren’t held responsible, we’ll continue to see preventable tragedies. East Tennessee’s Wake-Up Call: Hurricane Helene Hurricane Helene brought more destruction. Flash floods ravaged East Tennessee, stranding people on rooftops and destroying homes and businesses. Six workers drowned in a Knox County factory after the employer failed to halt operations. We need clear laws to protect workers during disasters—no one should have to choose between their life and paycheck. Fix the Dams and Hold Companies Accountable Tennessee’s aging dam infrastructure is a ticking time bomb. With over 1,300 dams, the risk of another failure is too high. We cannot keep gambling with lives and property. Telecom systems also failed during floods, leaving residents without communication. Telecom companies must ensure their networks can withstand extreme events. Corporate responsibility is essential. The Waverly flood and Knox County deaths show businesses must protect employees and communities. We need laws prioritizing safety during disasters. Invest in Infrastructure for the Future We must invest in roads, bridges, dams, and sustainable transportation that can withstand the challenges of today’s storms. These investments are critical, but they need to be built with resilience in mind. Flood-proof and storm-ready infrastructure will help ensure that when the next disaster strikes, Tennessee’s transportation systems, homes, and businesses will endure. It’s a Dam Shame—And It’s Time to Act Tennessee has always led by example, but we can’t keep rebuilding after preventable disasters. The next storm could strike at any time. Will we be ready, or will it be another damn shame?