Region to receive $2 million from state to upgrade utility systems

NASHVILLE — More than $2 million in infrastructure grants were announced Thursday for rural cities and towns in Northeast Tennessee. In total, $7.4 million was awarded to 24 applicants across the state. Northeast Tennessee received a little over a quarter of those funds. The amount and name of the Northeastern awardees are listed below: Bloomingdale Utility District: $370,000 Brownlow Utility District of Johnson County: $500,000 City of Elizabethton: $500,000 Erwin Utilities Authority: $500,000 Town of Rogersville Water Department: $194,800 The funding comes from the state's Infrastructure Planning Grant program, which provides assistance to utility systems in distressed counties and rural communities. State Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, said the Brownlow grant will be used to connect the Brownlow Utility System to the Mountain City Utility System, a span of around 5,500 feet. Once the utility systems are connected, Brownlow will be capable of functioning as a backup for the Mountain City Utility System. "We look forward to further improvements in the future and appreciate this revenue more than you know," said state Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, whose district encompasses both utilities. Crowe said the City of Elizabethton will use the funds to improve its water delivery systems. "This is great news, especially as we are entering a year where we know it's going to be difficult to access these kinds of dollars," said Crowe. "I was proud to work with Senator Crowe and making available these dollars that I know will greatly improve the delivery service of good clean water to the people we serve in Elizabethton/Carter County," said state Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi.