State Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, and State Sen. Steve Southerland, R-Morristown, announced $500,000 in grant funding was awarded to the Erwin Utilities Authority.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, and State Sen. Steve Southerland, R-Morristown, announced $500,000 in grant funding was awarded to the Erwin Utilities Authority.
The funding is part of $7.4 million administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) through the Infrastructure Planning Grant (IPG) program. The program was created by the General Assembly to assist communities and utility districts across the state with long-term planning for their water and sewer systems.
“After the challenges our community faced in the wake of Hurricane Helene, it’s important that we not only rebuild but also plan ahead,” Jones said. “This grant is an investment in Erwin’s future and the reliability of our utilities. I’m grateful to TNECD for supporting rural communities like ours and helping Erwin Utilities Authority strengthen its systems to better serve local families and businesses for years to come.”
In April, the General Assembly approved $20 million in state funding for Erwin Utilities Authority to replace its wastewater treatment plant, which was severely damaged by flooding from Hurricane Helene.
“Erwin Utilities’ $500,000 Infrastructure Planning Grant is a meaningful investment in the long-term strength of our community’s water and sewer systems,” Southerland said. “I’m proud to have supported this funding in the General Assembly and grateful to Governor Lee and Commissioner McWhorter for their continued commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure.”
Grantees may use IPG funding for water system mapping and modeling, water system analysis, sewer system mapping and modeling, sewer system analysis, asset management related activities and regionalization studies.
For a full list of grantees and more information on IPG grants, visit the TNECD website here.
Renea Jones represents District 4 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Unicoi and part of Carter counties.
Steve Southerland represents District 9 in the Tennessee Senate which includes Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Sevier and Unicoi counties.
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