NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – The Town of Jacksboro is receiving $3,569,953 for improvements to water lines. Yesterday, The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced 102 grants totaling $232,709,981 from the state’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund, part of which TDEC is administering in the form of drinking water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure grants. Since August, TDEC has awarded and announced $634,404,544 in grant funds through ARP programming.

The Town of Jacksboro is among the Tennessee cities and towns that will receive funds. The Town of Jacksboro will use ARP funds to replace approximately 6,700 liner feet of 10-inch force main with a new 16-inch force main and update the three existing pumps in the pump station. These improvements will provide increased capacity for future growth and reduce maintenance costs at the station. ARP funds will also be used to replace undersized lines serving two interstate exits, an industrial park, and households.

TDEC focuses these grants on the following goals:

  *   Protect and promote human health and safety and improve the quality of water by supporting water systems in non-compliance to work toward compliance with water quality requirements;

  *   Improve the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities of small, disadvantaged, or underserved water infrastructure systems; and

  *   Address critical water infrastructure needs across the state.

TDEC’s strategy for deployment of ARP funds is described in the Water Infrastructure Investment Plan. This plan was developed by TDEC based on input from leaders and experts from agencies internal and external to state government. All funds from the ARP must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024 and expended by Dec. 31, 2026.

“I am pleased to announce seven cities and counties in my district have been awarded grants totaling nearly $13 million for critical water infrastructure projects. That includes projects that will modernize drinking water infrastructure, repair and improve sewer and storm water systems as well as expand potable water access in rural areas. I am very appreciative of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) as well as our local officials for securing the funding for these much-needed projects,” said State Sen. Ken Yager. (WLAF NEW PUBLISHED 4/27/2023- 6AM)

Related