Subcontractors Sue Over Unpaid Chickamauga Lock Work

Two local subcontractors are seeking over $224,000 in unpaid wages following the termination of a prime contractor.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Construction

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a monumental concrete lock wall, evoking the structural and financial complexities of major infrastructure construction. — Damron Plumbing and Logan Moore have sued prime contractor Shimmick Construction Company, alleging they remain unpaid for work at the Chickamauga Lock. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Damron Plumbing and Logan Moore have filed lawsuits alleging breach of contract for work performed on the Chickamauga Lock replacement project. The claims follow the May 2026 termination of prime contractor Shimmick Construction Company by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Why it matters

The legal action highlights ongoing payment disputes that have stalled progress on the major infrastructure project. These lawsuits raise significant questions regarding financial accountability among the various parties involved in the construction chain.

Damron Plumbing is seeking more than $129,000, while Logan Moore claims over $94,000 in owed payments. Logan Moore further alleges that Southern Spear Ironworks retained more than $63,000 for work that was never passed along to them.

The players

Shimmick Construction Company

This firm served as the prime contractor for the Chickamauga Lock replacement project until its termination in May 2026.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

This federal agency is responsible for overseeing the Chickamauga Lock project and manages the termination of its primary contractors.

Damron Plumbing

This subcontractor is one of two firms currently pursuing legal action to recover more than $129,000 for work performed at the dam.

Logan Moore, LLC

This subcontractor filed a lawsuit against the prime contractor and others seeking payment for work that has remained unpaid since late 2025.

Southern Spear Ironworks

This entity acted as an intermediate contractor and is alleged to have withheld over $63,000 in payments intended for subcontractors.

The details

Damron Plumbing and Logan Moore filed suits against Shimmick Construction Company, Southern Spear Ironworks, and several insurance companies. The subcontractors were issued stop-work orders in May 2026, despite claims of substantial completion on the lock chamber.

Congress authorized the Chickamauga Lock replacement project in 2003.
Logan Moore reported its last received payment in late 2025.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers terminated Shimmick Construction Company on May 8, 2026.
Subcontractors received official stop-work orders on May 13, 2026.
Congressman Fleischmann stated in October 2026 that the project remains well funded.

Market Landscape

The legal dispute creates significant friction in the timeline for this major federal infrastructure project. This litigation forces a reassessment of how prime contractors manage subcontractors and financial transparency on large-scale public works projects.

The delays in the lock replacement project may influence regional shipping costs and local industrial logistics if the construction timeline is further extended. Residents and businesses should anticipate that the completion of the lock chamber will require additional time and funding.

The takeaway

Large-scale public infrastructure projects often face financial risks that can lead to ripple effects for smaller subcontractors. Property owners and business partners involved in such projects should prioritize clear payment bond documentation to mitigate loss during prime contractor failures.