Officials Break Ground on State-of-the-Art Water Education and Training Center in Middleton
State officials and community leaders broke ground Friday, April 10, 2026, on the Water Education and Training (WET) Center, a comprehensive, state-of-the-art facility located at Lone Oaks Farm in Middleton.
The WET Center will be used to instruct the next generation of water professionals to better understand how water impacts roads, bridges, culverts, communities, and public safety and will also be used to train first responders.
The facility is scheduled to open in 2027 and is expected to boost the economy in Hardeman County and the region.
“This center will bring people from across Tennessee and beyond to learn, train, collaborate, and prepare. That means activity and opportunity for our county, but it also means Hardeman County will be part of something that helps communities become safer, stronger, and better prepared for the future,” said Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse.
The WET Center will strengthen Tennessee’s workforce, improve infrastructure decision-making, and help communities prepare for and respond to water-related challenges. The center will offer applied learning that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting.
“The future WET Center at Lone Oaks Farm is an exciting step for the University of Tennessee. It’s also exciting for Hardeman County Schools. It has the potential to open more doors for students of all ages to engage in hands-on, visual learning experiences,” said Dr. Christy Smith, Director of Hardeman County Schools. “From exploring the impacts of erosion to discovering the principles of engineering, this center will add another feature to inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and bring learning to life in meaningful ways.”
With funding from Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly, the WET Center is a long-term investment in prevention, preparedness, and practical education that will benefit Tennessee for decades to come.
“I’m excited to share the beginning of this unique training center that will shape the future of our state,” said West Tennessee River Basin Authority Executive Director David Blackwood. “I don’t think we even realize how big of an impact the WET Center will have on Tennessee, the region, or even the nation.”
Find more information on the facility and the educational opportunities it will offer at: https://thewetcenter.com
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