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Commission retroactively approves Griggs & Maloney for Harm's Mill dam removal design to address safety and fish passage
Summary
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency received retroactive authorization to continue using Griggs and Maloney Inc. for design on the Harm's Mill dam removal project after staff realized the vendor was used under an existing contract contrary to SBC policy; the commission approved the corrective designer agreement.
The State Building Commission granted retroactive approval for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to engage Griggs & Maloney Inc. for design work on the Harm's Mill dam removal project, after agency staff reported they had used the vendor under an existing contract contrary to commission policy.
TWRA's presentation said low-head dams such as Harm's Mill create hazardous hydraulics for people and boats and that the site includes an old powerhouse that has become a risky nuisance. The agency also reported riverbank undercutting that raises concerns about the structure's stability. The dam removal was framed as a safety improvement and an ecological action to restore upstream and downstream passage for fish species and improve habitat on the Elk River.
Agency leadership told the commission they had worked with SBC staff and the state architect's office to remedy the procurement issue and to continue using Griggs & Maloney under an appropriate designer agreement. The agency also said it would task its deputy director and general counsel with ensuring future adherence to SBC policy. The commission approved the retroactive authorization by voice vote with no opposition recorded in the transcript.
