Three Monroe County towns will divvy up more than a million dollars in Community Development Block Grants for work on sewer and water lines.
Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen announced the grants Thursday, saying, "The grants awarded through this program provide funding needed to maintain and update community resources and improve the overall economic and environmental health of Tennessee. I'm proud the state of Tennessee can provide funding to communities to help spur economic growth and create jobs."

Tellico Plains received the most money, $500,000, to assist in infrastructure improvements in town.
The funds will be used for a water system improvement project to serve 4,164 people, of which 2,777, or 66.7 percent are low-to-moderate income. Funding for the $537,000 project will include $37,700 in local funds.

The project proposes to replace approximately 21,800 linear feet of old 4-inch water main, deteriorated service tubing and residential water meters.  The grant dollars were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Madisonville received the second largest amount, $459,228, to help with upcoming sewer system work.
Funding for the $546,700 project will include $87,472 in local funds. The grant dollars were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly.

And Vonore's sewer system will also see an upgrade through the grant program. Funding for the $270,000 project will include $145,000 in local funds.
The grant dollars were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly.

"These grants are evidence of the state's commitment to helping our communities prosper," said Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber. "CDBG grants help increase our state's economic edge and provide opportunities for our communities to improve their overall economic development strategies."

"This CDBG grant will pave the way for continued economic progress in these towns," Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge,  said. "I congratulate the community leaders for their work in securing the funds, and I look forward to seeing the fruit, including new jobs, of this valuable aid."

michael.thomason@advocateanddemocrat.com | 442-4575