Sevier County authorized to pursue TDOT and TDEC grants for road extension and raw water line planning
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Summary
The commission authorized the mayor to execute a TDOT contract application for the Veterans Boulevard (SR-449) extension potentially eligible for up to $80 million and approved applying for a TDEC regionalization grant to plan a parallel raw water line from Douglas Lake to Pigeon Forge. Local matching commitments were noted.
Sevier County commissioners on June 26 authorized the County Mayor to pursue major transportation and water-infrastructure grants aimed at easing traffic and expanding raw-water capacity.
The commission approved Resolution 2023-06-21 directing the County Mayor to execute a contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation for an extension of SR-449 (Veterans Boulevard) from Robert Henderson Road north of the Little Pigeon River to SR-66. Mayor Larry Waters said the TDOT grant could provide up to $80 million for the project, and he noted that the City of Sevierville has authorized $9 million and Sevier County would contribute a portion of $10 million toward the effort. The extension is intended to help alleviate traffic on Dolly Parton Parkway.
The commission also approved Resolution 2023-06-22 authorizing the County Mayor to apply as lead applicant for a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation competitive regionalization grant on behalf of the Sevier County Water Board to plan and build a parallel raw water line from Douglas Lake to Pigeon Forge, citing near-capacity conditions on the existing raw water line.
Both measures passed by roll call vote. Commissioners discussed project endpoints and timing; staff and local municipalities will coordinate grant applications and local match commitments as the proposals advance.