Several regional utility systems receive state grant funding for long-term planning
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Several communities in the Northeast Tennessee region are receiving grant funding to help with the long-term planning of their water and sewer systems.
Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced nearly $11 million is being distributed to 50 localities statewide as part of the Infrastructure Planning Grant (IPG) program.
“Ensuring all Tennesseans have access to clean water starts with investing in the right infrastructure,” said Gov. Lee. “I thank our General Assembly for funding this program and commend the 50 grantees for stepping up to help our communities strengthen local infrastructure and plan for the future.”
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According to a release from the TNECD, the IPG program supports utility systems in the state that serve “distressed counties and rural communities on the financially distressed utility system referral list.”
The release states that systems make the referral list “based on comptroller eligibility.” The utility companies are referred due to criteria like their net position, non-revenue water or high levels of debt.
When utility systems receive this funding, they can be used for projects such as water system mapping and modeling, water system analysis, sewer system mapping and modeling, sewer system analysis, asset management-related activities and regionalization studies, the release said.
“Without strong infrastructure, communities cannot grow or attract business and industry,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter. “I congratulate those receiving funding through the IPG program and look forward to seeing how these 50 projects will spur future economic growth.”
A list of the communities in the region that received funding, and how much they were awarded, can be found below:
Bean Station Utility District | $190,000 |
Blountville Utility District | $430,000 |
City of Jefferson City | $200,000 |
City of Newport | $339,150 |
Cross Anchor Utility District | $141,000 |
First Utility District of Carter County | $334,115 |
Roan Mountain Utility | $58,353 |
South Elizabethton Utility District | $165,000 |
Town of Mountain City | $55,000 |
Town of White Pine | $218,500 |
More information on the Infrastructure Planning Grant can be found at TN.gov.
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