Columbia, TN (October 13, 2026) - The City of Columbia has approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Spring Hill to participate in a mutually beneficial regional wastewater infrastructure project. The project supports both communities while bringing significant revenue and infrastructure investment to Columbia.
“Spring Hill had a need. Columbia answered the call. Both cities will benefit,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “This agreement is a great example of what can be accomplished when local governments work together in a thoughtful and responsible way. Columbia is able to assist a neighboring community while also securing important infrastructure investment that will benefit our residents for years to come.”
Under the agreement, Spring Hill will fund the full $12 million construction and improvement project. Of that investment, $9 million will fund the infrastructure required to connect Spring Hill’s existing wastewater system to the City of Columbia’s wastewater system. Spring Hill will be responsible for funding and maintaining that infrastructure from its existing treatment plant to the point of connection with Columbia. The remaining $3 million will fund upgrades to Columbia’s Carter’s Creek Pike Pump Station.
“This agreement represents a mutually beneficial partnership and an important investment in Columbia’s wastewater infrastructure,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “Mayor Molder is to be recognized for his leadership in identifying an opportunity for Columbia to help a neighboring community. This is truly a sound partnership.”
As part of the agreement, Columbia will accept between 500,000 and 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day from Spring Hill for treatment. Service will begin only after Columbia’s new wastewater treatment plant and the required pump station improvements are complete.
“This agreement allows the Department to make strategic upgrades to our collection system, allowing us to continue providing good-quality service to our ratepayers and to be good neighbors,” said Wastewater Department Director Donnie Boshers.
Columbia’s new wastewater treatment plant is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2027. The new plant will increase the City’s treatment capacity to 17 million gallons per day. The expanded capacity positions Columbia well to enter into this regional partnership and support a neighboring community. It will also generate significant new revenue. Spring Hill is projected to pay the City between $21 million and $62 million over 10 years for wastewater treatment, depending on volume.
This agreement reflects Columbia’s continued commitment to responsible infrastructure planning, regional cooperation, and partnerships that create long-term value for the community.
ABOUT COLUMBIA, TN
The City of Columbia is the county seat of Maury County, located 45 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee. Columbia is experiencing a renaissance of new industry, residential development, a bustling historic downtown square, and emerging arts district while attracting companies, residents, and visitors looking for affordability, quality of life, and a Main Street experience, all in a convenient location. Columbia is a Southern Living ‘Top 10 Best Small Town’ and the ancestral home of the 11th U.S. President James K. Polk.
