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The Center Square [By Jon Styf] –
Tennessee will be sending $63 million in federal funds to 20 different water infrastructure projects. The funds are part of $3.7 billion in American Rescue Plan funds sent to the state.
Wilson County will receive $4.6 million in collaborative funds to create an asset management plan and both wastewater and drinking water projects. Cannon County will receive $3.9 million in collaborative grants for drinking water projects such as replacing older water lines and pressure regulation stations.
The other 18 grants are non-collaborative and involve only the federal funds.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has awarded $996 million in grants for each county and 248 cities through federal ARPA funds.
The grants have funded over 1,000 individual drinking water, wastewater, and/or stormwater infrastructure projects.
“More than ever, infrastructure is critically important to our local communities,” Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, said in a statement. “This money will allow cities and towns to address deficiencies and make improvements that will pay dividends not just in the present but in the years to come as well. I greatly appreciate the work of the governor and my colleagues on the Fiscal Accountability Group for their work in making sure these funds were spent appropriately and efficiently.”
The non-collaborative grants went to: Celina ($2.8 million), Centerville ($4.2 million), Cheatham County ($3.5 million), Cleveland ($5.4 million), Collinwood ($3.2 million), DeKalb County ($3.0 million), Franklin ($4.7 million), Greenfield ($1.5 million) and Hawkins County ($4.9 million).
They also include: Kenton ($700,000), LaGrange ($300,000), Luttrell ($1.9 million), McKenzie ($1.4 million), Monroe County ($3.7 million), Puryear ($1.1 million), Shelby County ($9.4 million), Trousdale County ($3.0 million) and Waynesboro ($900,000).
“We continue experiencing considerable growth across the state, and many of our communities require additional resources to address their evolving needs,” Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, said in a statement. “These grants will play a major role in ensuring cities and towns have access to infrastructure solutions that will enable them to continue thriving so Tennessee remains a preferred destination for both businesses and families.”
About the Author: Jon Styf, The Center Square Staff Reporter – Jon Styf is an award-winning editor and reporter who has worked in Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida and Michigan in local newsrooms over the past 20 years, working for Shaw Media, Hearst and several other companies. Follow Jon on Twitter @JonStyf.
