TTW Development Authority

The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority is a four-state compact composed of the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Ratified by the U.S. Congress, the Authority promotes the development of the Waterway and its economic and trade potential.

Purpose and Goals

Today, the Authority’s resources are devoted to promoting the economic and trade potential of the waterway by serving as the regional agency for all Tenn-Tom interests. The Authority serves as the central repository for data and research relating to all aspects of the Tenn-Tom. The Authority serves as the regional sponsor of the Tenn-Tom and addresses both growth opportunities as well as potential impediments to the waterway’s public benefits.

Funding and Membership

The Authority is funded solely by appropriations from the member states. Its membership is limited to the four governors and five gubernatorial appointees from each state.  Chairmanship rotates annually among the four governors.

History

The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority was authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1958 as an interstate compact, consisting of the States of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Florida was also a member from 1967 to 1990. This unique multi-state organization was established to help ensure completion of the waterway.

This regional agency played a key role in garnering the necessary grassroots and political support to get the project built. It worked very closely with federal agencies and the U.S.Congress during the waterway’s 12 years of construction.

Since completion of the waterway, the Authority now devotes its resources toward promoting the development of the waterway and its economic and trade potential.