Kingsport to apply for $6 million state clean-water loan for Reedy Creek sewer project

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on May 20 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a letter of consent and related documents to apply for a Clean Water Revolving Fund loan from the State of Tennessee for the Reedy Creek Trunk Line sanitary sewer improvement project.

Vice Mayor Duncan moved the resolution; Alderman Baker seconded. City staff and utilities staff member Bridal explained the project is a phased, multi-year effort to replace one of the oldest trunk sewer lines that runs adjacent to a creek and the Greenbelt. The first phase replaced a segment from the plant to Sullivan Street; this phase will extend replacement toward John B. Dennis and includes work near the Greenbelt parking area by Holston Valley.

Staff said the project addresses aging infrastructure and infiltration of stormwater into the sewer system that can cause permit violations. The requested loan is an estimated $6,000,000; staff said the SRF mechanism provides low-cost financing for environmental infrastructure work. The board voted 7-0 to authorize the application.

Staff said construction impacts to Greenbelt users will be managed and that this phase should be less disruptive than later phases. The board asked questions and heard that the project will proceed through design, right-of-way and utility relocation as necessary before construction.