Chattanooga, surrounding areas receive TDEC grants
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced $191.2 million in grants throughout the state for regionalization, water reuse and resource protection. These grants are part of the American Rescue Plan fund.
A total of 49 grants are going out in the state of Tennessee. 14 of those are for regionalization, eight for water reuse and 27 for resource protection.
Of those grants, six are around the Tennessee Valley.
“These water infrastructure grants provide assistance to communities across the state, and accelerate progress in rural Tennessee,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I commend the communities that have participated in the application process and look forward to the results of these investments.”
Water Reuse
TDEC has set aside $4,250,000 for the City of Chattanooga to address non-potable water reuse needs. The city will convert an existing plant water system into a new reclaimed water system. There will also be improvements made to this facility.
The city will implement water conservation efforts to “reduce consumption and substitution of lower-grade water for certain non-potable water process uses.” The grant will also be used for “finding and eliminating leaks in the plant water system,” TDEC stated.
TDEC granted $2,470,000 to Cleveland Utilities to construct a non-potable water reuse system at the Hiwassee River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The company will increase their capacity to meet demands, which includes an anticipated future peak demand of 400 gallons per minute.
The Ocoee Utility District of Bradley and Polk counties will receive $712,500 in funding. They will use these grants to treat water from the Old Parksville Wastewater Treatment Plant. This will be a supplementary water source to the Carpenter Springs Water Treatment Plant.
TDEC said this will “increase the district’s resiliency with multiple water sources and remove the need to discharge into a stream.”
Resource Protection
In addition, TDEC granted Chattanooga and non-profit WaterWays $1,785,000 to “restore three sites along a stream utilizing natural design methods.” This partnership plans to stabilize the stream, restore the floodplain, reduce in-stream erosion and improve the value of the stream.
Hamilton County is also receiving $1 million in ARP funds for stormwater management. The county will assess the condition of their stormwater system, create a GIS database and create a plan to “evaluate and prioritize system improvements,” TDEC said.
TDEC added that this will help the county to incorporate green infrastructure upgrades into their existing system. They say this will “enhance water quality, manage stormwater runoff and prevent flooding.”
Lastly, TDEC granted the Sweetwater Utilities Board $340,328 in ARP funds. The company will create a new wall around Cannon Spring, which is Sweetwater’s primary drinking water source. TDEC said this will protect it from over flooding.
They added that this will “minimize the potential for stormwater runoff from the adjacent public works vehicle facility to contaminate the spring during flooding.”
“Our infrastructure needs continue to evolve, and we must focus on providing resources that ensure all communities remain successful,” said Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton. “These grants will help address immediate, emerging, and long-term needs and preserve resources, so Tennessee remains a preferred destination for businesses and families.”
