State Rep. Rick Eldridge, R-Morristown, has secured $1.5 million in state funding for the Town of Bean Station to begin its sewer project.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Rick Eldridge, R-Morristown, has secured $1.5 million in state funding for the Town of Bean Station to begin its sewer project.
The funding was earmarked from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) Water Regionalization Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening and modernizing the state’s water infrastructure.
“This project is a game-changer for growth in the Bean Station community, opening the door for new businesses, restaurants and opportunities,” Eldridge said. “Local leaders have worked tirelessly to help secure this funding, and I’m deeply grateful to the General Assembly and TDEC for recognizing this need. I look forward to seeing the project break ground soon!”
TDEC received more than $1.3 billion from the state’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to improve water infrastructure across the Volunteer State and administer grants for projects like this one, according to the department. Eligible uses include drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects focused on regionalization, water reuse and resource protection.
Regionalization refers to the coordination or consolidation of smaller, local utility systems into a larger network to help communities share resources, reduce costs and ensure long-term sustainability.
Bean Station is partnering with the nearby city of Morristown to connect to its wastewater treatment facility, reducing costs for residents and ensuring more efficient, reliable service for the community.
The appropriated funds are part of a $59.8 billion balanced budget passed by lawmakers in April. Republican priorities include significant investments to improve academic outcomes, provide disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene, enhance public safety for all Tennesseans and increase funding to address transportation infrastructure needs.
Rick Eldridge represents District 10 which includes Grainger and part of Hamblen Counties.
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