The Memphis District and members of the Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLGW) team came together last Friday to celebrate the signing of a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA) for the MLGW Transmission Tower 1613 feasibility study.
From protecting electrical, gas, and water infrastructure to bank stabilization, the Corps has partnered with MLGW to provide technical expertise and construction oversight for numerous sites across Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee.
“The Corps looks forward to working with MLGW to safeguard critical electrical infrastructure using Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control Act,” Memphis District leadership said. “Together, we can provide appropriate engineering solutions to a complex river engineering problem and ensure reliable service to the residents of Memphis and Shelby County.”
The tower is an element of a major power feeder system that provides electrical service to a large portion of Memphis and northern Shelby County, including the northern part of downtown Memphis.
Loss of this tower would impact approximately 30,000 residents, as well as the major transportation routes of North Highland Street and Jackson Avenue (Tennessee Highway 14).
The tower is located on the right descending bank of the Wolf River, along an outer bend, making it prone to natural streambank erosion. This erosion has encroached to within approximately 14 feet of the tower’s foundation support.
“The Memphis District and MLGW have a winning partnership that will continue through the 21st Century, a partnership that will work hard at developing plans that both prevent any future damage and consequently, possible power failures,” district leadership added. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with MLGW in our efforts to develop a winning solution that ultimately, offers Tower 1613 on the Wolf River steadfast protection.”
This cost shared feasibility study is conducted in partnership with MLGW, a Division of the City of Memphis. Parties will continue refining plans to prevent damage to the public utility infrastructure.
Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control Act, as amended,
“Provides authority for the Corps of Engineers to plan and construct emergency streambank and shoreline protection projects to protect endangered highways, highway bridge approaches, public facilities such as water and sewer lines, churches, public and private nonprofit schools and hospitals, and other nonprofit public facilities. The unstable conditions caused by streambank and shoreline erosion call for prompt action to eliminate the threat to public safety and to prevent interruption of vital services. This is recognized in the streamlined study and shortened time frame of the Section 14 program.”
For more information on our Continuing Authorities Program, please visit: https://www.mvm.usace.army.mil/Missions/Outreach/Partnering-with-the-Memphis-District/Continuing-Authorities-Program/