The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority is an interstate compact ratified by the U.S. Congress to promote the development of the Waterway and its economic and trade potential. The compact consists of the States of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee and 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.
In addition to its promotional activities, the Authority is the waterway's regional sponsor to ensure its funding and to address policies and issues that may deter its development. The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Council was established in September 1984 by a resolution of the Waterway Authority. With the approaching completion of the waterway, the Council was formed to provide a forum for the multitude of public and private interests in the waterway. The non-profit organization is governed by an independent board of directors and officers elected by its membership. It has more than 200 dues paying members from some 12 states.