TOP PHOTO: State Rep. Dennis Powers announces $11 million for water infrastructure projects in Campbell and Union counties.

NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) –State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, recently announced $11 million in grant funding to improve water infrastructure in Campbell and Union counties. The grant funding includes $4.49 million for the City of La Follette.

The grants, administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), are among 131 grants totaling $299.2 million from the state’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund.

“The success of our communities depends on having the right infrastructure in place to meet their needs,” Powers said. “These grants will address critical issues while also ensuring we are adequately prepared for the future. I appreciate TDEC’s partnership along with the efforts of everyone involved with these important projects.”

Grant recipients include:

City of LaFollette: $4.49 million to reduce water loss and address the city’s longstanding stormwater management needs. Projects include water line replacements and investigation as well as investigation and improvements along the stormwater system consisting of closed-circuit television and a stormwater management study. Based on the findings, the city anticipates the repair and rehabilitation of existing sewer lines, structure gate replacements and point repairs.

City of Jellico: $2.5 million to address critical drinking water needs and improve the city’s water treatment plant. Projects include the installation of raw water intake pumps and piping to the treatment plant, the installation of new blowers, repairs to the existing concrete sedimentation basins, and replacement of all existing electrical equipment. A booster station and line to the improved plant will also be installed.

Town of Maynardville: $1.76 million to extend and replace waterlines and address excessive infiltration and inflow within the sewer system. Projects include the replacement of approximately 5,860 linear feet of an existing 3-inch water line with 6-inch water line. Maynardville will also conduct a comprehensive sewer system evaluation survey and characterization to determine the scope of defects and determine future methods to rehabilitate sewer lines and manholes.

Union County: $2.36 million to develop an asset management plan and bring critical water infrastructure to users of contaminated wells. Projects includes the installation of large meters in the service area to identify and prevent water loss. Approximately 7,500 linear feet of waterline extensions along with approximately 1,850 linear feet of new pipe will also be installed.

Tennessee received $3.7 billion from the ARP, and the state’s Financial Stimulus Accountability Group dedicated $1.35 billion of those funds to TDEC to support water projects in communities throughout the state. Of the $1.35 billion, approximately $1 billion was designated for non-competitive formula-based grants offered to counties and eligible cities. The remaining funds will go to state-initiated projects and competitive grants. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED -06/20/2023-6AM)

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